Compass appoints new Healthcare Managing Director

Russell Blake, Managing Director of Hospitals and Senior Living, has been appointed Managing Director of Healthcare for Compass Group UK & Ireland. Russell has spent the last two years leading the team, which has been at the forefront of the Covid response, supporting the NHS, private healthcare and senior living sectors. Russell has been in the Compass business for over 22 years, having previously worked within B&I, 14forty, and more recently healthcare.

Russell will be focused on building on the strong foundations left following Steve Cenci’s successful 20 year tenure. Steve Cenci, is moving to a new role within Compass Group PLC, where he will be working with the Group Commercial team to support the expansion of international markets by sharing Healthcare best practice and innovation. Under Steve’s leadership he transformed the healthcare business. Steve’s people first approach has most recently been evidenced through the care and support provided to healthcare colleagues during the pandemic. Steve was also responsible for the introduction of Steamplicity, the unique micro-steam cooking system used for patient dining, as well as the successful roll out of the healthcare retail business.

Commenting on Russell’s appointment Steve Cenci said: “I am delighted that Russell will be heading up our healthcare business moving forward. He has been an integral part of our healthcare family for many years. The past two years have been immensely challenging for our frontline teams and I am really proud of how we supported our people and clients during the pandemic. Our mantra is “performance with heart” and this remains core to all that we do in healthcare. I am looking forward to sharing the best practice and expertise we have learnt with our healthcare businesses around the world.”

Russell Blake added: “I am really looking forward to leading the Compass healthcare business. The pandemic shone a spotlight on the integral role so many of our frontline colleagues play in supporting the NHS, private healthcare and senior living. Our teams work hand in hand with our clients and their resilience and professionalism has been critical in ensuring essential services have been provided over the past two years. My focus will remain on our people, clients and continuing to look at innovative solutions to deliver great food and services to the patients, residents and customers we serve.”