The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) has appointed its new Chief Executive, John Cunningham, who will be taking over the role from departing CE Keith Warren.

John’s career has given him extensive leadership experience in some of the world’s most prominent professional and trade associations including the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) and more recently as Regional Head of Education for Europe & Americas at the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). 

These roles have given him excellent expertise in areas like strategic planning, commercial partnerships, governance, financial and risk management as well as operational delivery and membership engagement and representation at the highest levels of business.  He also has strong links and experience within the hospitality sector thanks to his previous role as Director of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality.

Keith will be working with him part-time on an advisory basis to ensure a smooth handover and deliver continuity of service and expertise for FEA and its members.

“John’s credentials are second to none,” says Keith. “His experience will allow FEA to continue serving the interests of its members at the standards they expect, and he will continue to drive the culture of innovation that allows us to respond to the ever-changing challenges our sector faces.” This includes the strategic objective of membership growth, the circular economy and its implications for the sector, service development and further growth of FEA’s training and education programmes.

These challenges are one of the big attractions of the role for John. “As the foodservice equipment industry continues to face important issues like the ongoing effects of Brexit, the drive towards Net Zero and the ongoing march of technology, FEA’s work will only increase in importance,” says John. “I am really excited about the role, I see opportunity in every corner of the foodservice equipment sector, and I am looking forward to engaging with our members and finding new ways to meet their needs.”

FEA chair Paul Anderson said, “We were delighted with the quality and quantity of applicants for the role which signifies the profile and status of the association. The Board shortlisted and interviewed four from the twenty-four original applicants. John demonstrated significant strategic and operational insight which he can put to good effect as Chief Executive. The Board are delighted with the appointment which will ensure the delivery of the operational services to members; the effective management and direction of the secretariat team of four, whilst ensuring that FEA remains at the forefront of the policy developments for our industry in the UK and Europe.”