Elior appoints innovation leader Small

Elior has appointed Claire Small to its newly-created director of innovation role. Industry acclaimed with commercial acumen and a strong digital focus, she leads the caterer’s new eight-strong innovation team. They are responsible for delivering digital, concept development, photography and menu management across its UK business.

Prior to Elior, Small held senior roles with SSP UK, The Restaurant Group PLC and ETM Group, helping translate consumer trends into creative commercial solutions. She was listed in the Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Index (2021) and tipped as a Future Leader on the 30 Under 30 Restaurant and Marketer Innovator list (2018).

Catherine Roe, chief executive officer of Elior, said: “Our new innovation team, along with Claire’s appointment, represent an exciting new direction for us. Our customers’ needs changed significantly as a result of the pandemic and we adapted to these. Given the speed of change, we realised that, as a leading contract caterer, we can spearhead new innovation in the foodservice industry.”

Small added: “Elior operates across a wide range of sectors and I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities we have to innovate across the business. It’s fantastic to be working at the cutting edge, identifying opportunities in the business and then bringing them to life.”

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