Partner Article

Hospitality suppliers toast key addition to management team

The newly appointed Group Operations Manager for one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the hospitality industry insists innovation is the key to future success.

Leeds-based Zoe O’Sullivan has been promoted to her latest position just five years after joining The Rudd Group as a trainee Business Development Manager.

And the former area manager for the Stonegate Pub Group plans to play a key role in nurturing the next generation of forward-thinking hospitality professionals.

“At The Rudd Group we're always looking at what's next in terms of innovative technology that will improve the experience of clients and their customers,” said Zoe

“We’re always driving forward and never standing still. That’s what really excites me about my new role.

“There’s a collective will to progress and to land upon that next big thing. I’m determined to keep things moving in the right direction.

“In my new role I'm overseeing all of our depots and all of the operations managers at those depots.

“We have newer people in post in Nottingham and Haydock and I’m keen to support them, coach them and bring them on the journey that I love being a part of."

Zoe joined The Rudd Group in the summer of 2021 as a Trainee Business Development Manager for Bob Rudd based at the firm’s Leeds depot.

Yorkshire-born and bred, she was promoted to Operations Manager within seven months where a wide-ranging role included supporting operational performance, customer service standards and team development.

And in her new position Zoe will join the senior management team at the Newcastle-based Rudd Group — bringing a fresh perspective and more than 25 years’ experience to the table.

Nick Rudd, Managing Director at The Rudd Group, said: “Zoe’s progression through the business has been exceptional.

“She has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a proactive approach and a real commitment to both our people and our customers.

“This promotion is thoroughly deserved and we are excited to see her continue to make a positive impact across the Group.”

Zoe has recently completed the company’s Enhance programme — dedicated to supporting managers’ skill development and career aims.

And she added: “It feels like this a pivotal period for the business.

“We've seen a huge period of growth in the last 10-12 months with various acquisitions of new businesses and new products.

“I’m particularly excited to see the Target Darts Zone technology continue to revolutionise one of the UK’s fastest growing sports.

“And I’ll be taking a close look at how we can develop and integrate more of our Clear Cool products — making the back-of-bar experience more efficient and productive."

The family-run Rudd Group was founded by Bob Rudd in 1989 and has gone on to become a sector-leader in the supply of tailored technology, equipment and support services to the UK hospitality trade.

Earlier this year gaming division Bob Rudd joined forces with Essex-based SX Leisure to deliver an industry-leading service to 1,000 pub venues nationwide.

That partnership underpinned sustained growth across the business, created 40 new jobs and strengthened The Rudd Group’s position as a key player in the hospitality supply chain.

“Ensuring that we retain top talent like Zoe is essential when it comes to achieving our long-term aims,” added Nick.

“Our people are our most important asset and it’s fantastic to see how far Zoe has come within five years.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .