18.09.2026

BaxterStorey celebrates its people at annual People Awards

British Airways Account Director Isabell Rossi takes top honour at Canary Wharf ceremony.

UK hospitality provider BaxterStorey brought together 300 colleagues from across the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands for its annual People Awards at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf.

The awards recognise the chefs, managers, front of house teams and kitchen porters behind the company's restaurants, with winners chosen from a wide range of workplaces including law firms, financial institutions, football clubs, research institutes.

Launched in 2016, the awards recognise exceptional talent from across the business, celebrating everyone from outstanding chefs and front-of-house teams to kitchen porters, managers and rising stars.

Team members are nominated by colleagues and managers, with those who get through to the final shortlist are judged by a panel comprising of industry experts including Chef Rinku Dutt, Jo Harley of Korero, Ed Vokes of Evolve Group and Food Writer Jenny Chandler.

The awards have grown exponentially since its inception, with 854 nominations received this year, a 31 per cent increase on the previous year, resulting in more than 200 team members being recognised through a series of ten regional celebrations and the grand final in London.

The evening's highest honour, the BaxterStorey Award, was presented to Isabell Rossi, Account Director for British Airways, in recognition of her exceptional leadership of one of the business's largest and most complex operations. Leading a team of hundreds and serving thousands of customers daily, Rossi was instrumental in securing the extension of BaxterStorey's long-standing partnership with British Airways, reflecting the strength of the relationship and operational excellence she has helped build since 2013.

Among the other winners was Darren Gilbertson, Operations Director across the Central and Wales region, who received Leader of the Year. Beginning his BaxterStorey career as a waiter and barista more than 20 years ago, Gilbertson became one of the youngest operations directors in the company's history when appointed to the role in 2025.

Judges praised not only his commercial achievements leading a team of over 200 colleagues across 19 contracts, but also his commitment to developing talent and championing inclusion. As an Inclusivity Champion, he has mentored degree apprentices and worked with the Inclusive Employment Forum in Hounslow to support disadvantaged and neurodiverse young people into employment, including placements delivered in partnership with hospitality charity Springboard.

Karen Clarke, Client Relationship Manager, was awarded Support Champion of the Year. Described by judges as "someone whose contribution touches every part of the business, often without people even realising it", Clarke was recognised for her remarkable 27 years of service and lasting impact on the business.

A new Judges' Choice Award was introduced this year after one nomination prompted more than an hour of discussion among the judging panel. The inaugural award went to David Jegou, Chef de Cuisine at Grand Central, France, who was recognised for delivering a 300 per cent increase in sales in under a year, while creating bespoke menus for major campaigns with brands including Absolut and Lillet.

Guests enjoyed a menu designed by WSH sister company Admirable Crichton from canapes on arrival to a carefully curated feast featuring caramelised artichoke heart with buffalo mozzarella cream, followed by 35-day dry-aged beef sirloin and a braised short rib filo tart.

Guests also enjoyed a dessert station created by Chef Battle winners Domenico Papa and Maddie Clare, who served their winning sticky toffee "not miso" chocolate mousse.

Chris Mitchell, COO, BaxterStorey, said: "Two years ago, I had the privilege of being part of the judging panel and left with a huge admiration for the incredible people across BaxterStorey. To now be standing here as part of the team, celebrating alongside our finalists and winners, makes this evening even more special.

"To be recognised from 854 nominations is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the passion, dedication and impact these individuals and teams bring every day. Their commitment, talent and willingness to go the extra mile help define who we are as a business. We are immensely proud of all our finalists and winners and delighted to celebrate their success."

Full list of winners:

BaxterStorey Award – Isabell Rossi
Chef of the Year – Alex Pach
Chef Manager of the Year – Jennifer Edwards
Front of House Star – Rio Garcia
Gamechanger Award – Steve Wilson
Kitchen Porter of the Year – Faiz Qurbani
Leader of the Year – Darren Gilbertson
Manager of the Year – Kimberley Macdonald
Rising Star – Emma Bourke
Support Champion – Karen Clarke
Team of the Year – M&G, London
Judge’s Choice Award – David Jegou

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