Waitrose hires Simon Burdess as director of food service

He will join the business in September.

As the supermarket develops its casual dining and branches, Burdess is set to lead on the development of Waitrose’s food service offer with the newly-created role.

Burdess is currently the vice president of the restaurants and bars with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). He also has 20 years’ experience in the retail industry, having previously worked as commercial director for Fortnum and Mason, and various commercial roles at Marks & Spencer, including being category manager for in-store hospitality.

Waitrose retail director Ben Stimson said, "We want our shops to be places where customers will feel excited and inspired by food - and evolving our food service offer is vital in achieving this. Simon brings a wealth of experience which will be invaluable in ensuring our hospitality makes our shops dynamic and vibrant places to visit."

Waitrose currently has 354 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 64 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations.