Caterering group H+J, formerly Harbour & Jones, has appointed Derick Martin as its new Group Director of Operations to support the company’s continuing expansion plans.
Following phenomenal growth for the company over the last year of over 50% and a subsequent rebrand, Martin joins as a main board director responsible for the venues, hospitality and staff dining arm of the business.
Martin joins the team at Harbour & Jones with over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality and food industry, including as a Founding Director of the hugely successful high street concept Gino D’Acampo My Pasta Bar.
He was also CEO and Co-Founder of Innovate Services Ltd, a catering company in the education sector and CEO for Cooks The Bakery a national retail bakery chain. In addition, Derick has experience in the communications and technology sector as CEO of Tiscali Telecom UK.
Martin continues to hold the position of Non-Executive Chairman for Wamo Holdings Ltd, which launched WAMO, a social discovery app in 2014. A little-known fact about him is his baking expertise; he holds a City & Guilds accreditation as a Master Baker.
Martin said, “I am very excited about joining the board of Harbour & Jones as Group Director of Operations at such an exciting time in the company’s growth. I already have plans for the months ahead including a review of current IT systems and processes to support the company’s expansion plans. Corporate social responsibility is a subject close to my heart and I am pleased to be taking responsibility for the company’s new function in this area.”
Patrick Harbour, H+J's Co-Founder and Director, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Derick Martin to the Harbour & Jones family as part of our continuing growth plan. His new appointment comes hot on the heels of our recent rebrand for the company which doubled its business in 2016. We are sure Derick will make a significant contribution to the exciting plans we have for Harbour & Jones in 2017 and to its continuing success.”