Food group appoints Lawrence Shirazian to run newly formed unit
A.F. Blakemore has unveiled Lawrence Shirazian as managing director of its newly formed Foodservice Business Unit.
Shirazian joins to lead a business that unites Blakemore’s Foodservice, Fresh Meat, and Wholesale divisions.
He has years of experience from across the hospitality, leisure, catering and retail sectors, and has recently consulted for private equity and software companies in the hospitality space.
Shirazian was previously managing director at Aramark UK, leading operations across 700 locations and 8,000 colleagues. During his 14-year tenure he was credited with developing the strategic and operational framework, focusing on driving quality and innovation whilst strengthening competitive differentiation and increasing its market share and profitability across its businesses in education, business and industry, Ministry of Defence, retail and leisure.
He has also held senior roles at Delaware North Companies, who established Wembley Stadium retail hospitality services, Welcome Break, and the launch, development and expansion of Zizzi restaurants.
Shirazian said: “I am thrilled to be joining A.F. Blakemore to deliver the strategic vision at such an exciting time for their foodservice businesses. I share the passion for creating value by providing our partners with great food and drink solutions borne out of a deep understanding of their customers and a need for operational efficiency.”
Chief executive Carol Welch added: “We’re delighted that Lawrence is joining us. His knowledge extends across a breadth of sectors, making him ideally placed to oversee the newly formed business unit. He brings a customer-first approach, coupled with deep operational understanding that will ensure we continue to create value through growth and productivity for our partners and our business.”
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