Toll Group

Supporting the smooth flow of global drinks logistics.

Vice President Vertical Sales, Liquid - UK

The Worshipful Company of Distillers

Committee Chair, Steward

ewan lacey.com

Working with people and teams to make life and business better.

Some clients also hired me for senior positions.

Clients include:
Goldman Sachs
HSBC Private Bank
Marble Bar
Jascots Wine Merchants
IWSC Group
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
ProWein
Mirror Group
BBC London
Kavalan
Channel 4
Daily Telegraph
NRS Healthcare
YO!Sushi
Penfold’s
Armand de Brignac
LIDL Foodstores
PWC
Commodity Business Awards
GLG
Jamie Oliver Fabulous Feasts

Commitment 

Many individual founders, business owners and successful executives all the way up to the C-suite.

Founder

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

As a Global Director – Beverage Logistics, I was responsible for:
Leding teams involved in both origin/destination of trade, while facilitating bilateral transactions and addressing client concerns related to prevailing logistical challenges in market, such as Brexit changes, pricing instability, and space availability; promoting to position of Global Director after providing interim support to business for a period of three years; overseeing strategic planning and managing relationships with key clients, such as Concha y Toro, The Co-Op, The Wine Society, Adnams, and Hallgarten; entrusting with task of driving strategic sales in global beverage logistics sector, while engaging with diverse portfolio of large international customers and renowned brands in the market/fostering collaborative relationships with key stakeholders.
My key highlights in this role include:
• Enhanced skillsets and increased capabilities by restructuring and reorganising of UK beverage team.
• Improved overall responsiveness to client requirements by introducing key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Achieved 20% improvement in productivity by consolidating team under one roof/fostering solid work environment.
• Reduced 30% cost of overhead expenses by merging two separate offices into single environment for UK business.

Global Director - Beverage Logistics

I served as Interim Operations Director – Beverage Logistics and was accountable for:
Providing direct leadership and oversight to beverage logistics teams across multiple countries, including UK, France, Spain, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Chile, and Argentina; cultivating strong relationships between global offices and clients to assure delivery of exceptional customer experiences.
My key successes during this role were:
• Drove impressive 25% increase in business unit turnover by achieving significant £50m growth from 2017 to 2021.
• Played pivotal role in development and coordination of highly profitable wine and spirit competition logistics business.
• Elevated EBITDA performance of UK business by transforming break-even state to achieving remarkable 17% revenue.
• Streamlined operations by merging two offices into a single location, delivering substantial cost savings of 30% on overhead expenses.
• Ensured continued competitiveness by redesigning product offerings for key routes, such as Italy-UK and Latin America-UK in response to price fluctuations.
• Exceeded £50M sales revenues/turnover by completing profit/loss (P&L) business leadership, assuming responsibility for strategic sales, business development, and day-to-day supervision of ten global offices.
• Realised £220k profit by demonstrating exceptional performance and achieving 25% increase in revenue across global competitions including Decanter, International Wine Challenge, and International Wine/Spirit Competition.

Interim Operations Director - Beverage Logistics

IWSC Group Ltd

I performed as Managing Director, and my responsibilities include:
Managing day-to-day business operations, including coordinating the customer journey, maintaining quality performance, overseeing technical and assessment procedures, and collaborating with diverse team of industry experts; overseeing team of six direct reports and administered total headcount of 22 FTEs.
My signature achievements were the following:
• Achieved a significant revenue increase of 35% from 2013 to 2017.
• Enhanced EBITDA performance from 17% to 27% by demonstrating substantial improvement in financial results.
• Developed and executed business strategies for the group companies by aligning with ambitious growth objectives.

Managing Director

During my tenure as Interim General Manager, I have finalized multiple tasks related to:
Holding full accountability for diverse portfolio of group companies, including International Wine and Spirit Competition; Strategically formulating and implemented business plans for the group companies, while effectively managing high turnover; leading and directing portfolio of over 16 consumer/trade events at prominent venues such as The Oval, The Carlton Club, Truman Brewery, and The Guildhall.
The following were my key contributions:
• Orchestrated end-to-end project lifecycle management and delivery by encompassing project planning, scope definition, budgeting, and risk management.
• Demonstrated comprehensive business leadership by assuming responsibility for all aspects of P&L, driving strategic direction, vision, and continued growth of organisation.
• Ensued exceptional client experiences and provide internal employees with ample opportunities for professional development by fostering engagement throughout organisation.

Interim General Manager

ewanlacey.com

Director, Business Consultant, Ewanlacey.com
Operations Manager, Wine of the Times
General Manager, Café Med, Notting Hill
Operations Manager, YO! Sushi
Property Manager, Lidl Foodstores Gmbh
Steward of The Worshipful Company of Distillers & Chair of Marketing Committee
Part of the ‘Distillers One of One Team, Distillers
Drinks Expert, James Martin Saturday Morning & Channel 4 Television
Drinks Industry Commentator, Channel 5 Sky News
Drinks Writer, Sunday Mirror; Daily Telegraph, Women & Home
Regular Guest & Contributor, BBC Radio

Additional Experience

With 20+ years of experience in the drinks industry I am still excited by chasing inefficiency out and bringing sustainability and good sense in.

Ewan Lacey

As One Hospitality

In my diverse career, I've excelled in roles ranging from founding Fifteen Restaurant & Foundation with Jamie Oliver in 2001 to spearheading the creation of the UK's first Sustainable Restaurant, Acorn House Restaurant. My uniquely and proven track record includes leading HRH The King / Prince of Wales, ventures at Lancaster House and Clarence House, also, very proud of contributing to the legacy of the QEOP Olympic 2012 Games.

I've successfully managed and delivered 360* projects like Waterhouse Restaurant, also RIBA Stirling Prize-Winning, Hastings Pier, and innovative initiatives like the UK's first ethical shared workspace at The Impact Hub in King's Cross. From Urban Pubs and Bars to collaborations with renowned architects at 00 Architecture, my portfolio is extensive and successful in proven projects as well as history.

I have a wealth of experience and a network of fantastic industry contacts, I bring passion and professionalism to each project. Whether it's consultancy for new ventures, senior operations positions, or tackling unique challenges, I offer proven expertise. Let's connect, and together, we can navigate challenges, save time, money, and alleviate frustration.

Can I help you save money, time, and frustration? 

Direct message me.

Key Skills: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine & Cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Hospitality - Introduction to Existing & Past Projects

I make creative projects and hospitality happen. We're an international, multidisciplinary practice of project managers, surveyors, creatives, entrepreneurs, strategists, and operational experts working across space, experience, and identity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse portfolio of projects and clientele.

Hospitality – Strategy & Market Research – Concept Development – Openings & Operations
Management – Project Management – Cost Consultancy – General Management
Creative – Brand Identity – Interior Design – Graphic Design – Procurement

Key Skills: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine & Cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Operations Manager

Urban Pubs and Bars

Award Winners - The Publican Awards 2020 & 2023 - Best Managed Pub Company 2 to 50 sites.

Manages the day-to-day operations to achieve corporate goals, including revenue and profit figures while maintaining high company standards of guest satisfaction, colleague engagement, health and safety, quality assurance, and asset management.

Develop and support a culture of continuous improvement. Robust management and detailed reporting of overall budget and breakdown by cost centres. Ensure compliance with the relevant health and safety regulations. Develop and mentor teams and individuals to build a culture of success and encourage staff development and career progression.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings

General Manager / Operations

DHP Family

Brought in by the Managing Director to support and consult on the delivery of the F&B on all levels FOH & BOH. Focused on delivering a targeted, tailored solutions, from guidance on the menu offer, staffing training to customer service. My main goals are to enhance overall F&B performance, teamwork and to get meaningful results with consistency and professionalism.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Operations Management Consultant

Bread Ahead London

Approached by the owners to lead the team on the launch of the new Wembley site. Managed the pre-opening budget, staffing, design, menu development and business planning with a go-live date of October 2019.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Operations / General Management / Project Manager

The Grove - 5* Hotel, Spa, Golf Course, Restaurants

Brought in by the owners and General Manager of this 5 Star hotel to bolster the day-to-day operations to give clear direction and support to The Stable's Restaurant & Bar existing teams. Achieve corporate goals, including key revenue targets, sustaining 5* customer journey, events delivery, venue and individual sales targets while maintaining high company standards of guest satisfaction, staff engagement and quality assurance. Led from the front and managed all business functions.

Implemented numerous training initiatives on standards and revenue focus to drive quality standards to ensure high levels of guest satisfaction through the delivery of exceptional levels of service. Full accountability for the P&L performance, budget and management of salary costs.

Managed key budgets and strategies for revenue growth and profit. Management responsibility for 60 staff.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Head Of Department - H.O.D - Freelance

Think.Eat.Drink 

Set up this hospitality consultancy to advise and help clients with project management, new opening concepts, business planning, operational management, branding, troubleshooting, employee development, systems and procedures, strategy and growth plans.  

Notable projects include:

Hastings Pier, F&B project lead on the award-winning redevelopment project.

The Impact Hub, London, Consultant & Partner at the UK's 1st ethical co-working private members club. Organised events including 'Food Talks' to discuss the future of the food and drink industry.

Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, London - Food Director / Consultant. Reviewed the food and drinks menus and transformed the menus to deliver a more contemporary offering that resulted in a 12.4% growth in sales.

Southall Manor House. Delivered a new business plan for the venue including F&B, brand strategy, design, new kitchen, events and restaurant ergonomics.

Salad Pride - Vegan Restaurant

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Principal / Owner

Think.Eat.Drink can provide consultancy for all hospitality outlets, the company will offer a broad range of services, covering concept creation, project implementation, recruitment and management advice. As well as strategic consulting, including business plan & feasibility studies and strategy on brand/concept development for all food and drink operations. 
See below for more services:
•	Project delivery & strategic overarching business planning & leadership
•	Programme, project management, driving agendas and building consensus
•	Operation and strategy guidance – from menus, staffing, general management, etc. developing effective internal and external relationships
•	General health & safety, human resources and day-to-day operational procedures
•	Support, recommendations, general business guidance - from attending key meetings to M&E to street presence
•	Sustainable and ethical supply chain guidance & implementation
•	Environmental & sustainability advice & auditing
•	Recruiting the right team members, contracts, wages, etc. Building and motivating diverse teams
•	Branding, marketing & operational auditing
•	Rapid problem analysis / assimilation of business challenges

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Director

We have been appointed to create & develop an overall concept and strategy/vision, to a hugely historical site in West London, the aim is to create a destination community driven site.

We understand that the community and commerciality are a key aspect of the vision. Development of this will be accommodated through the flexibility to deliver additional services that may be required as the project develops. We will be attending key meetings, setting & meeting key milestones and production of output reports. Our involvement is aimed at creating, designing and implementing the best value catering options, dining and events facilities requirements that will be provided as part of the overall venue offerings going forward.

Our core aim is to create a vibrant and commercially successful food and drink venue while at the same time minimising the responsibility & environmental impacts of an industry well known for its poor ventures, high waste levels and negative consumption. 

Working with the design team from the very outset to bring new ideas and fresh outlooks to a potentially very exciting project, T.E.D & JGS are ideally placed to help the project succeed on every level.

Some of our key clients - HRH The Prince of Wales Charity, START UK - Hastings Pier - Greater London Authority - Eailing Council - London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) - The Royal Oak, Tetbury - First Give - The Camden Society - Body Shop - TEDx - Argent London - Impact Hub, London - Cafe Direct - Ecover - Divine Chocolate - Department Of Coffee & Social Affairs - Bibendum -The Architecture Foundation - Novikov Restaurant & Bar - Oslo - Earth Awards - Dimensions Community Enterprises - 100% Design - Salad Pride - Fresh Direct - Team Green Britain - amongst others.......

Specialist Hospitality Consultant - Project Lead

Greater London Authority & Ealing Council

Our most recent and ongoing project is alongside Architecture 00 & Seed Landscape on the DiSH project that has been commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) & Ealing Council to work on a new event space, restaurant/food school 'Dine in SoutHall' in the London Borough of Ealing.

The project aims to create a unique and commercially viable business that provides jobs and training opportunities for local residents; supports local businesses and enables  ‘place making’ objectives for Southall.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Senior Consultant & Project Lead

T.E.D Restaurant Bar

Utilising the Think.Eat.Drink Membership network to ensure minimal environmental impact from the outset, T.E.D is recognised as a front-runner in the industry’s shift towards a greener future, boasting regularly changing seasonal menus and a breathtaking interior designed with sustainability at its core. 

Set over two bright and airy floors, the glass fronted upper level houses a stunning lava top bar and five luxurious leather clad booths, whilst downstairs is lit-up by a number of stunning feature light boxes and looks on to the open plan kitchen where the chefs can be seen working their magic. 	

A feel-good neighbourhood restaurant serving stunning simple, ethically sourced British produce within an environmentally conscious setting. The restaurant was extremely well received by critics as well as the general customers.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine and cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Owner and Director

London Legacy Development Corporation

I was appointed by the London Legacy Development Corporation to consult on the food and beverage vision/strategy for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) which, will be the legacy park after the Olympic Games. This includes consulting on various aspects from spatial arrangement, physical environments, right the way through to operational requirements, design, logistics, etc. This is a great challenge and one that he is immensely proud to be involved in. He also understands that this is a major opportunity to influence ways to fuse health & sport with food & drink.

Key areas of experience and focus are: Hospitality Consulting - Leadership - Project Management - Operations Management · Restaurants - Events · Wine & Cocktails Lists · Hospitality Management · Customer Service · Marketing · Restaurant Management · Corporate Events · Employee Engagement · Budgets · Business Development · Recruiting · Customer Satisfaction · Catering · Food & Beverage · Bar · Sales · P&L Management · Employee Training · Stock Control · Customer Retention · Finance · Staff Development · Performance Appraisal · Forecasting · Employee Turnover · Menu Development · Hotels · New Business Set-up · New Restaurant Openings · Sales Management · Marketing Strategy · Digital Marketing · Market Research · New bar openings · Sales / Events

Senior F&B Consultant

Throughout my career, I have conceptualised, executed and overseen top-tier projects that have consistently delivered success, profitability and customer satisfaction. 

Some of these projects include collaborating with Jamie Oliver to establish the Fifteen Restaurant and Foundation, creating the UK's very first eco-conscious restaurant Acorn House in King's Cross, London and managing the award-winning Urban Pubs and Bars. I have a distinctive and comprehensive understanding of the hospitality, restaurant, bar and leisure sector, from fine dining to street food to premium events to modern and European cafe concepts.

I have also developed a unique blend of expertise in high-end operational management and transformation, focusing on driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and embracing social responsibility. My unwavering commitment is to enhance every facet of the hospitality industry, ensuring that it continues to flourish and evolve in a positive and forward-thinking manner.

My background is marked by a unique blend of expertise in high-end operational management and transformation, focusing on driving innovation, promoting sustainability and embracing social responsibility. My unwavering commitment is to enhance every facet of the hospitality industry, ensuring that it continues to flourish and evolve in a positive and forward-thinking manner. 

I leverage my 20+ years of experience and passion for the hospitality industry to help businesses optimise their operations, enhance their customer experiences, and achieve their goals, whether they are financial or personal.

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Ewan Lacey

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