He joins from CBRE, bringing a great balance of food and facilities management expertise to the role. He will bring a client-first approach, along with a fresh perspective on innovation, customer experience and operational excellence.
Lester has a strong track record in food and support services, having worked in outsourcing for over 20 years. He is also not new to Compass having previously worked in its Restaurant Associates business over ten years ago.
Commenting on his appointment, Lester said: “This is an exciting time to be taking on this new role for these three well-respected and established brands. I’m looking forward to working with the team to really focus on our offers and capabilities, to ensure we are delivering what our clients and customers want every day.
“These well-respected and established brands are at the forefront of food services and facilities management, with true differentiators that align to customer markets.
“I am thrilled to return to Compass Group, bringing my expertise in food and workplace services having spent the past ten years overseeing a broad range of customers and industries. I am excited to be working with the team to really focus on our proposition to drive growth and deliver for our clients and customers every day.”
He joins Compass following the retirement of Morag Freathy, chief executive of B&I in December and will be taking up the new role in April 2026.
Robin Mills, chief executive of Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “It’s a great time to join, with Eurest, Dine and 14forty all performing strongly in the market. There are many opportunities for further growth, as more companies look to move to outsourcing or update their workplace offer. It’s going to be great having James’ insight and expertise to further support our clients and teams.”