Recognising leadership excellence

We are delighted to share that Morag Freathy has earned her spot on Management Today’s Women in Leadership Power List 2024.

Morag has led the Business & Industry sector of our parent company, Compass UK & Ireland, since 2019. We’ve always known her work has been exceptional - now it’s officially confirmed!

As Management Today states, “The awards aim to celebrate high achievers from organisations of all sizes, uncovering visionary, effective and inspirational women at the top of their profession.”

Judged by senior business leaders from leading UK companies, this list shines a light on the most accomplished and inspiring women in their respective fields through innovation, significant revenue growth, and impactful contributions to diversity.

Coming from a farming background, Morag is a seasoned professional when it comes to the hospitality and food service industry, having taken on a number of leadership positions over the years, including Managing Director of Eurest UK.

Going the extra mile

According to Management Today, “Morag is that rare breed of inspirational leader with an ability to drive cultural change and deliver financial results, using both sides of the brain to achieve business success.”

Her “meticulous, forensic focus on finance” was commended alongside her “ability to engage and galvanise everyone she meets,” which has established her as a household name in the contract catering space.

Under her guidance, Compass UK&I has achieved significant milestones, including sustained double-digit growth for three years running since 2021, even amidst economic challenges and the pandemic.

Since joining Eurest, she changed our culture by placing people and the planet at the heart of everything we do. This approach has also worked wonders for our clients, too. By having these strategies in place, we have been able to help other businesses achieve their own sustainability goals and encouraged our own employees to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Morag Final (1)

Net Zero energy pioneer

Morag’s environmental and social conscience have helped us redirect our focus to plant-friendly menus, a food waste programme, and ambitious Net Zero goals as part of her wider campaign to ‘nudge’ the nation’s lifestyle.

With Morag’s guidance, in 2023, Eurest managed to save approximately 39 tonnes of food - equivalent to 86,950 meals - improving from a 30% reduction in 2019. Food waste has also been reduced by 40% since 2019, with a goal to reach 50% by 2025. 

Her knack for leadership and commitment to sustainability has meant she has not only influenced our own operations but set an example for the wider industry to follow.

Leading by example

Throughout the years, Morag has consistently demonstrated unparalleled excellence in leadership, innovation, and showcased her commitment to her profession and community. In 2023, she was the deserving recipient of the Foodservice Caterer Award at the Cateys, the leading UK awards ceremony for the hospitality industry. 

Her forward-thinking and dedication have not only propelled our success but have also increased the representation of women in senior roles, creating a more dynamic and inclusive senior leadership team at Eurest.

Further reading