Searcys announces raft of promotions and appointments 

Events caterers and restaurateurs Searcys has “strengthened” its team with a number of new appointments and promotions across the business.

Allan Heard has been appointed as the group’s new account director, having previously served as general manager at 30 Euston Square. Prior to this, he was head of catering at Chatsworth and Devonshire Group.

Valerie Lalenkova has also been promoted to proactive sales manager at Searcys at The Gherkin, and will be responsible for conversion of bookings, managing exhibitions and in-house showcases, event sales and FAM trips.

Additionally, Luiz Mazzari has been promoted to general manager at 30 Euston Square, with the executive chef Daniel Broughton leaving the venue to take up a new position as Searcys group development chef.

Other new appointments include Vytaute Vegyte as sales and events manager at The Gherkin, who will be responsible for driving sales from weddings and repeat clients.

The group said that 2019 saw over 50 internal promotions across the business encompassing operations, culinary, sales, people team and support services, and added its “focus on recognising and rewarding team excellence is at the heart of Searcys’ 2020 vision”.

Searcys’ head of learning and development, Daniel Rowlinson, said: “Our motto for this year is ‘Be Brilliant’ and, fundamentally, we want our team to aspire to excellence across the board, whether it’s folding linen or pouring the perfect glass of Champagne. The School of Service aims to achieve this.

“It is our intention for over 550 front of house team to complete the School of Service modules in 2020. We have selected and trained over 35 champions and trainers to deliver these sessions at their own venue.”

He added: “They will be our ambassadors, demonstrating how any experience at a Searcys venue is an unrivalled one, from the food on the table to the quality of service for each and every visitor.”