AF Blakemore names MD of combined Foodservice, Meat and Wholesale arms

AF Blakemore has appointed Lawrence Shirazian as managing director of its newly formed Foodservice Business Unit, which combines the company’s Foodservice, Fresh Meat, and Wholesale divisions.

Shirazian (pictured) was most recently a consultant for private equity and software companies in the hospitality industry, and before that he was managing director at Aramark UK, leading operations across 700 locations involving 8,000 colleagues. In total, he spent 14 years at Aramark.

His previous experience also includes senior roles at Delaware North, which established Wembley Stadium retail hospitality services, Welcome Break, and Zizzi Restaurants.

Shirazian commented: “I am thrilled to be joining AF Blakemore to deliver the strategic vision at such an exciting time for their Foodservice businesses. I share the passion for creating value by providing our partners with great food and drink solutions borne out of a deep understanding of their customers and a need for operational efficiency.”

Carol Welch, CEO, commented: “We’re delighted that Lawrence is joining us. His knowledge extends across a breadth of sectors making him ideally placed to oversee the newly formed business unit. He brings a customer-first approach coupled with deep operational understanding that will ensure we continue to create value through growth and productivity for our partners and our business.”

AF Blakemore recently announced sales of £1.2 billionn and a 65% increase in EBITDA for the year ending May 2023, with a further 44% increase in EBITDA for the first 24 weeks of 2023/24.

As well as its Wholesale and Foodservice businesses, AF Blakemore operates 900 convenience retail stores including company-owned and independent SPAR retail partners. The group also owns the Philpotts brand – a chain of sandwich, coffee and bakery stores.