UK Hospitality Business Recruits Director of Operations

Leo Coates has joined hospitality business Bennett Hay as director of operations in a role that involves overseeing 180 staff and a portfolio of clients including notable corporate workspaces, estates and landmark destinations.

Coates brings significant experience in the workplace sector having previously worked for Compass Group subsidiary Restaurant Associates, Vacherin and CH&Co. He joins Bennett Hay at a time when the company is promoting and recruiting new team members to support a return in confidence and maturation of hybrid working.

Announcing the appointment Bennett Hay co-founder Anthony Bennett, said: “Leo is a huge asset who brings significant experience, a mindset for innovation and genuine care for his team. Creativity, caring for and letting people shine are key watchwords for Bennett Hay, hence Leo is the perfect fit to lead our operations division.”

Coates added: “I’m delighted to be on board with Bennett Hay who I’ve watch grow into one of the key players in hospitality over the last decade. It’s great to be working for a progressive organisation who places as much value on their people as they do on their clients and contracts. The workplace is back, it’s different and it’s time to address an exciting new era.”

Bennett Hay has built a notable portfolio of offices and estates where the company oversees facilities and guest experiences. The privately owned organisation has regularly featured in The Caterer magazine’s Best Places to Work in Hospitality rankings in recent years.