Matt Luscombe has been named CEO of Freemans Event Partners, as the family-owned business sets its sights on reaching a £200 million turnover in the next few years.
Before joining Freemans Event Partners, Luscombe served as chief commercial officer at InterContinental Hotels Group, general manager at Coles Group, and CEO at Cycas Hospitality.
He will collaborate closely with the current CEO, Stephen Freeman, who will transition to the role of executive chairman, as the company works towards tripling its annual turnover under its new five-year strategy.
In its financial results for the year ending 31 January 2024, filed with Companies House, the event caterer reported a turnover of £60.4m and a profit before tax of £2.8m.
Luscombe said: “I’m delighted to be taking the reins and steering such an exciting company as it embarks on its next phase of expansion. The growth the family business and the wider team have achieved under Stephen’s stewardship is truly remarkable and has established Freemans Event Partners as a leader in the events sector. It’s an honour to be tasked with leading the company’s next phase of growth.
“I’m hugely passionate about the events industry, and am looking forward to working with the team, as well as our partners, clients and suppliers. It’s an exciting time for the sector, both in the UK and internationally. Our robust pipeline of events ensures we continue to transform the fan experience in 2025 and beyond.”
Freeman added: “We have done a terrific job over the last decade or so, positioning Freemans Event Partners at the forefront of the biggest events and venues in the UK. I am immensely proud of the business we have built, but am equally excited about this next chapter, as we embark on further domestic and international expansion.
“Matt is ideally positioned to help us achieve our ambitious targets, leaning on his valuable experience in delivering successful growth across hotels and in hospitality. This new chapter for the business isn’t me stepping back. I’m as energised about the events industry as ever before and am looking forward to welcoming Matt and introducing him to our incredible event and venue partners in the coming weeks.”
Freemans Event Partners was established in 1975 by Stephen Freeman Senior as a single fish and chips outlet at Silverstone, which continues to be a venue partner to this day.
Since then, it has expanded into a broader event catering operation, partnering with prestigious venues such as Wembley Stadium, the Jockey Club, Lord’s Cricket Ground, and the European Tour.
