Kris Nicholson - Business Director, ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace
Kris Nicholson joined ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace as Business Director in 2024. With a diverse international upbringing, Kris lived in South Africa, the Seychelles, Thailand and Egypt before joining the Royal Navy. Over a 34-year career, he served as a Logistics Officer, culminating in his role as Deputy Director People (Delivery), where he led a team of over 500 people managing HR for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Kris's career highlights include operational tours in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and serving in Logistics Command of HMS BULWARK during the 2012 London Olympic Games. He also played a key role in the delivery of the Tide Class naval tankers and improved strategic transport asset use within the Defence Support Chain Operations and Movements.
He is proud to be part of an organisation that holds the Armed Forces Covenant ERS Gold Award and delighted to be the Reservist Ambassador as part of Compass Group Armed Forces Network
Stephanie Robertson, Head of Experience for Restaurant Associates and Ambassador of Armed Forces Network
Stephanie, who works as Head of Experience for Restaurant Associates , balances a high-profile corporate role with her service as a reservist at RAF Northolt’s 600 Squadron.
Earlier this year, Stephanie completed her RAF basic training – describing it as the “hardest but most rewarding challenge” of her life – and now continues training in Air and Space operations. As Ambassador of our Armed Forces Network, Stephanie also supports veterans and military families as they navigate the often-difficult transition from military to civilian life.
“’Running 26.2 miles is tough, but it’s nothing compared to the resilience of those who’ve served,’ said Stephanie. ‘The Forces Employment Charity changes lives by helping veterans, Service leavers, reservists and their families rebuild and thrive – I’m running this marathon for them.’”
Callum Silvester - Head of Hospitality, Canary Wharf, London
I have worked for Restaurant Associates several times throughout my career and have been in my current post for the past 2 years. I am responsible for the Hospitality, Events and Fine Dining operations within an accounting firm in Canary Wharf, that encompasses 7 floors of operations, and a team of roughly 50 staff. On average, we serve circa 21,000 covers a month and this can be anything from a high-profile client dinner to a bespoke event for 300. While I have a really busy job, I was really keen to be a Reservist too. I come from a military family, so for me, serving my country was a natural path for me to take and I love that I can do it alongside my day job.
I have served in the Royal Navy Reserves since 2020, and I am attached to HMS PRESIDENT, located in Tower Bridge, London. I undertook the Accelerated Officers Programme, which was an intensive block of training, which culminated in my passing out as a Midshipman from Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC). This course is a condensed version of the regular officer training programme and is styled as a ‘Zero to Hero’ type training. We were taught military basics, CLM (Command, Leadership and Management) skills as well as undertaking practical assessments such as PLT (personal leadership tasks and weapons handling).
Since passing out, the training that the Navy has provided me with has allowed me to develop in my civilian life and job, enabling me to become a more rounded leader. There are many skills and learning I have been able to apply to my job with Restaurant Associates.
The next stage of my service involves my specialisation training, and with any luck the opportunity to deploy on one of the Royal Navy’s Platforms. So far, I have served onboard HMS Prince of Wales, however I am hoping to add to the list! One highlight is passing out of BRNC, carrying a family sword of more than 60 years old. I urge anyone to explore reservist opportunities. My words do not do it justice, and I am very grateful for the support Restaurant Associates give me. It’s great that I am afforded an additional 10 days leave for training, something that I know a lot of my oppo’s don’t have.
