FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Sean Ritson has been promoted to the role of Managing Director at corporate contract caterer, Lexington Catering.
Ritson has been with Lexington for seven years, holding senior leadership positions including Operations Director and, most recently, Divisional Director.
Throughout his tenure, Ritson has been instrumental in driving innovation and business growth, and guiding the company through challenging market conditions, including the global pandemic and the hybrid working landscape. Known for his strong people leadership and focus on culture, he has helped the business achieve sustained success and operational excellence.
With over 25 years’ experience in the catering and hospitality sector, Ritson has also held senior positions at Compass, Bartlett Mitchell and CH&CO.
Ritson will report into Matt Wood, Managing Director of Elior UK’s entire business & industry (B&I) operations. His promotion to MD comes at a pivotal point of growth for the company.
Speaking about his appointment, Ritson said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed as Lexington’s managing director. I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved as a business over the last seven years, and I’m grateful for all the support along the way. The culture here is really something special.
“Lexington has always been a values-driven business, delivering authenticity and truly unique experiences in the industry. I look forward to continuing our growth journey and cementing our place as a sector leader.”
Wood said: “Appointing Sean as managing director is a natural step. His depth of knowledge of the company, strong business acumen, determination and passion for excellence make him an outstanding leader. I’m looking forward to seeing Lexington continue to thrive under his leadership.”
As MD of Elior’s entire business & industry (B&I) operations, Wood will continue to oversee the strategic direction and performance of the division, as part of the Elior UK leadership team. He will spearhead strategic growth and innovation across Elior’s B&I portfolio, working closely with Lexington’s Ritson and Divisional Managing Director Calum McLaren, who will continue to head up the regional corporate workplace brand, Elior at Work.
Leveraging the combined expertise of Lexington and Elior at Work, Wood will drive the delivery of cohesive, high-impact solutions for corporate clients nationwide, while maintaining the distinctive brand identities of both organisations.
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
