Running Foxes Catering Manager Announces Retirement

Following two hugely successful stints at Leicestershire, in which he has turned the Catering department into a hugely profitable Pillar of the Club, Catering Manager John Stew has called stumps on his time with the Running Foxes.

Initially joining in 1994, John spent six years with Leicestershire before accepting a post as at Freemason’s Hall, London Road for 12 years.

His first spell in Leicestershire brought remarkable success on and off the pitch with two County Championship wins to their name in 1996 and 1998, and a bustling business with John’s catering team at the heart of the match day experience at Grace Road.

Twelve years then passed before John rejoined County in 2012.

His return saw John challenged to bring the catering ‘in-house’, after the Club’s use of external caterers for many years. This objective was successfully navigated and repairing the tarnished reputation of the catering department at Grace Road, was the key target.

The Feedback from the other counties and Leicestershire members alike proved we were on the right track. Our Catering services are highly regarded, and we now have a positive reputation with both Women’s and Men’s International touring squads.

Having now dedicated 16 years as an integral part of the non-cricketing function of the Running Foxes, John has now decided to enter a staged retirement.

After coming to the decision of relinquishing his role, John commented: “It has been an honour to head up the Catering Services at Grace Road over the past 10 years, and to have done the same over two County Championship victories in the 90’s was a wonderful experience for myself.

“I am indebted to the catering team around me who have given so much in achieving our goals.

“I value the friendships I have made here at Leicestershire CCC and hope my contribution has supported the growth of the club into a new era.”

John’s focus will now be to ensure the smooth transition of management responsibilities to his successor. To this end John will continue in a part time role, to ensure continuity is maintained with the Club’s many annual clients, and Members’ catering services.

The Club is now in the process of inviting applications for the roles of Catering Manager and Head Chef, and John will support this process. You can find the job descriptions for both roles HERE.

Sean Jarvis, CEO of Leicestershire County Cricket Club spoke on John’s decision to call time on his career at Leicestershire. He said: “John has been such an incredible servant to Leicestershire County Cricket Club and has been the backbone for a long time.

“We are all too aware of the loss that he will be for the Club moving forward, however, having him as part of the transition process will help us in finding the perfect recruit for the position.

We all at Leicestershire County Cricket Club would like to thank John for his immeasurable contribution to the Club over a period of 16 years, and wish him nothing but the best in the future.