Each year, the Contract Catering Awards recognize 16 winners for their role in the U.K. hospitality and foodservice industry. Last week, Delaware North’s Ellie Gray and Marco Galer-Reick were honored with two of the prestigious awards recognizing their exceptional impact.
Gray, head of people operations for Delaware North at Wembley Stadium in London, was named Rising Star, and Galer-Reick, vice president of U.K. strategy enablement and human resources, received the Innovation Award.
Gray’s award recognizes her delivery of transformational change at one of the most complex and high-pressure venues in the U.K. Her innovative use of technology, real-time analytics and process redesign has driven measurable operational efficiencies, while her people-first leadership style supports Wembley’s workplace culture, team member well-being and engagement.
The Rising Star award recognizes a leader under 30 years old who shows initiative, demonstrates leadership and, most of all, shows signs that they will evolve into a future hospitality leader.
Galer-Reick’s award celebrates his visionary leadership in the mobilization of Delaware North’s landmark 15-year partnership with Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC). He oversaw the end-to-end redevelopment of the Stadium of Light concourse areas, transforming facilities that had seen little investment for decades into a modern, high-capacity, fan-first environment.
David Bruce, chief business officer of SAFC, said:
“Our partnership with Delaware North has delivered a transformational step-change in the quality, consistency and ambition of our food and beverage operation. Their commitment to innovation, operational excellence and diversification has elevated the matchday and event experience across the Stadium of Light, driving both higher standards and significant commercial growth. This nomination reflects the impact of their work and the value they continue to add to our club and our supporters.”
Held March 3 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, the competitive Contract Catering Awards take nominations from the industry, and then an expert judging team composed of some of the leading names from across hospitality and foodservice choose the 16 winners.