BaxterStorey strengthens female board representation

Hospitality food service provider, BaxterStorey, has promoted Louise Denton and Eimear Hargaden to its company board, as it continues to drive its ‘Fuel Your Individuality’ culture philosophy across a diverse portfolio of client businesses.

Denton has been named as Regional Managing Director of the company’s south-west region, whilst Hargaden will be Regional Managing Director of the south-east of England.

Denton, who has been with BaxterStorey for 12 years, initially worked her way up the ranks from a General Manager at a BaxterStorey location in London, to Operations Manager, to Account Director. Meanwhile, Hargaden has spent 13 years at the business, having held various roles in retail management, project management, and account management. 

Both internal promotions support BaxterStorey’s ongoing commitment to developing its pipeline of internal talent, as well as supporting gender equality in the workplace. These appointments take the company’s C Suite female ratio to 36 per cent. 

Denton said of her promotion: “I have been fortunate to build a long and successful career journey at BaxterStorey, and I’m excited to see where I can add value within my region, and wider business. Hospitality offers no end of exciting opportunities and experiences, and I hope to be able to inspire others with the manypaths of career progression available within our industry.”

Hargaden added: “I look forward to collaborating with my team to expand our south-east business and ignite creativity and ingenuity to delight our customers.  

“Enhancing female representation on the Board sends a positive message about equal opportunities and promotes a workplace culture where individuals of all genders can excel and contribute to BaxterStorey’s success.”

Championing a more inclusive workplace, BaxterStorey has committed to several key initiatives designed to support women within the organisation.

These include the launch of the ground-breaking RISE – a network developed to help drive gender equality, achieve better representation of women at senior levels, and champion diversity both within the business and the wider hospitality industry.

Since its inception, RISE has directly addressed and tackled workplace-related issues that can negatively impact mental health and inclusion for women.

As a result, BaxterStorey has introduced significant new policies and benefits, including the development of an enhanced maternity package which is applicable to every parent, inclusive of fertility treatment and adoption; and launched a wellbeing programme which can provide support around menopause and depression.

Denton and Hargaden join Natalie Mainwaring and Nicola Pearce as other female leaders on the BaxterStorey board. Mainwaring looks after brand, marketing, and communications, whilst Pearce is responsible for food, health and safety.

Remaining board members include: Rob Brown, Head of IT; Jeremy Wood, Regional Managing Director, North and Scotland; Peter Kent, Regional Managing Director, Central; Shane Kavanagh, Regional Managing Director, London; Greg Bramwell, Director of Food; Ronan Harte, CEO; Arran McDowell, People Director and Frederic Trotignot, Finance Director.

Ronan Harte, CEO, BaxterStorey, said: “I am truly delighted to welcome Louise and Eimear to our Executive Team. Nurturing talent is a long-standing commitment at BaxterStorey and we’re proud to support colleagues rise through the ranks, armed with invaluable experience and insights. Creating memorable food experiences has always been at the heart of the business and I’m looking forward to their new roles undoubtedly fuelling our growth and innovation even further.”