Baker is taking his hospitality and foodservice industry knowledge and expertise – which have seen him occupy senior positions at Procter & Gamble Professional and Premier Foods – to the United Arab Emirates, where he has been appointed divisional CEO for the foodservice business of IFFCO.
IFFCO, a United Arab Emirates company, is part of a global organisation, manufacturing and marketing premium quality branded foods in over 80 countries.
Baker has held the position of chairman of Arena for the past four and half years, but his active support of the association spans over a decade.
Working closely with Arena’s director, Lorraine Wood, Baker has played a key role in securing high-profile speakers, including Alastair Campbell, Richard Cousins, Karen Forrester, Jan Matthews and Simon Vincent.
The next chairman of Arena will be announced in December but in the interim former chairman, Andy Kemp of 3663, will hold the fort and support Lorraine Wood.
Wood commented: “Mat has been a true ambassador for Arena for over a decade and his term as chairman epitomises his support of the association and our industry. He has actively promoted and championed Arena across the industry and ensured that it remains relevant and valuable. We thank Mat for all his hard work and commitment and wish him and his family all the very best for their future in the United Arab Emirates.”