Delaware North U.K. on Nov. 25 gathered at London Stadium for the annual North Stars Conference & Awards, bringing together 120 leaders and team members from across the U.K. business. The event was a celebration of 2024 milestones and a look ahead to the exciting opportunities in 2025.
The U.K. team reflected on major achievements over the past year, including serving fans at marquee events such the UEFA Champions League Final, Taylor Swift’s record-breaking concerts at Wembley Stadium and the MLB London Series. The conference also spotlighted innovations driving the guest experience, such as the introduction of advanced technology, along with an evolving culinary philosophy and a strengthened commitment to sustainability.
Delaware North U.K. made significant strides to strengthen operations and truly deliver on the company’s vision “to delight guests by creating the world’s best experience today while reimagining tomorrow.”
The evening concluded with the presentation of 14 awards to recognise outstanding contributions across the U.K. portfolio.
“The North Stars Conference & Awards is a powerful reminder of the incredible talent, dedication and innovation that drives Delaware North U.K.,” said Doug Tetley, managing director for Delaware North U.K. “Our teams have delivered exceptional results in 2024, from world-class events to industry-leading culinary experiences. It’s inspiring to see how each individual and venue has contributed to our success. Congratulations to all the winners – you are the heartbeat of our business, and I’m excited to see how we continue to grow and evolve together in 2025.”
- Rising Star Chef of the Year: James Smith, chef de partie, Wembley Stadium
- Smith has shown exceptional growth, leadership, and professionalism over the past 18 months, consistently delivering excellence with ambition, passion and a calm, focused approach.
- Excellence in Culinary Innovation: The chef team at Emirates Stadium
- The 2024 Stadium Chef Team of the Year has set new standards for culinary innovation, consistently pushing boundaries with dynamic menus and vibrant dishes that have delighted both guests and clients.
- Excellence in Culinary Innovation: Highly Commended: Pawan Khatiwoda, head chef, Wembley Stadium
- Khatiwoda has demonstrated exceptional culinary innovation, pushing boundaries with bold flavours, modern techniques and a forward-thinking approach.
- Excellence in Leadership: Ellie Gray, people operations manager, Wembley Stadium
- Gray has emerged as an exceptional leader, navigating challenges with a positive, people-first approach and guiding the team through significant change with professionalism, adaptability and compassion.
- Values Champion: James Haysom, head of hospitality, Wembley Stadium
- Haysom embodies Delaware North’s core values, consistently going above and beyond to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships and enhance both team success and client relationships with professionalism, leadership and dedication to excellence.
- Excellence in Guest Experience: London Stadium for MLB London Series
- This year, Delaware North elevated guest experiences through immersive, personalised events, with the highlight being the MLB Series at London Stadium, which earned the Best Fan Experience Award at the Stadium Business Awards.
- Excellence in Employee Experience: Jordy Meya, Football Association coordinator, Wembley Stadium
- Meya has exemplified Delaware North’s value of “Come Together” by leading initiatives like wellness walks and team breakfasts, significantly enhancing team wellbeing and fostering a positive dynamic at Wembley Stadium.
- Excellence in Compliance: Martin Murphy, back-of-house manager, Emirates Stadium
- In just one year at Delaware North, Murphy has transformed health and safety compliance through proactive leadership, innovative solutions and a positive attitude.
Delaware North U.K. also presented Venue Champions awards, recognising team members for their exceptional teamwork and always going above and beyond:
- Yassine Mendili, catering supervisor, Wembley Stadium
- Johannes Sahle, logistics manager, Emirates Stadium
- Marina Bekrou, events planner, London Stadium
- Jo Clack, goods receipt administrator, Pride Park Stadium
- Gabriel Bastos-Vankirk, senior operations manager, ExCel London
- Ellie Manners, human resources advisor, Head Office
Delaware North U.K. looks forward to 2025 and appreciates all of its team members at world-class venues continuing to work together to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Top image: Doug Tetley, managing director of Delaware North U.K., welcomed more than 120 team members to the annual North Stars Awards & Conference on Nov. 25 to celebrate excellence across the U.K. business.