With a background in international hospitality management Chris started Sunnyside Up, a QSR all-day breakfast concept before going on to co-found Eproductive, which now supports hundreds of hotels in the UK and Holland with the EPS People Management System. In 2000 Chris co-founded and still coordinates 2050.network, the UK foodservice leaders' network. He has been Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey's School of Hospitality & Tourism Management since 2015 and is a Director of HOSPA, the Hospitality Professionals Association.

With over two decades of experience, Chris is a seasoned hospitality technologist specializing in leading go-to-market strategies for startups. His extensive expertise encompasses various aspects of hospitality technology, including e-commerce, IoT, and digital marketing. Presently, he is dedicated to assisting hospitality brands in harnessing the power of AI to enhance guest experiences. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is an enthusiastic outdoorsman and sports lover, actively involved in coaching lacrosse and skiing. Chris and his family reside in North Yarmouth, Maine.

I’m delighted to be a judge for the inaugural edition of the awards and can’t wait to check out the entries and the innovative approaches by tech suppliers in the UK and around the world!

HRC is delighted to be partnering with FoodBev to launch the World Catering Technology Awards and shine a light on the suppliers blazing a trail in the industry and providing a quality product that enables catering and hospitality businesses to elevate their day-to-day operations

John Cunningham CFSP joined the FEA in April 2023. He brings experience from a variety of senior leadership roles at some of the largest international trade and professional bodies from the world of finance and HR, including AAT, CIPD, ACCA and the REC.

John is a well-versed leader in the hospitality sector; he was Director of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality where he worked closely with colleges, universities, training providers and regulators from across the British hospitality sector to develop skills and pathways into hospitality. John has championed innovation in the sector and managed an accreditation programme to recognise the best and most innovative training practice in the UK, Europe and beyond.

John studied Aeronautical Engineering at Hatfield. He has judged a variety of important industry awards including the Hospitality Apprentice of the Year, the Cateys and the PeopleManagement Awards. In his roles he has led international business tours across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East region and Asia.

Peter Petroulas is a visionary leader known for his innovative and strategic approach to leadership. His remarkable career includes roles as CEO and Director in aviation, travel and most recently hospitality where he has consistently aligned strategy, marketing, operations, and technology to achieve outstanding results.

Peter's most notable technological inventions in the realm of restaurant and hospitality innovations, include; his patented Space Management Booking System which has redefined restaurant reservations by enabling a 50% increase in real-time online bookings compared to all other existing systems. He's also pioneered online real-time dynamic booking reallocations each time a new booking request is received to optimise the number of bookings taken as well as permitting VIP's to be automatically seated at their favourite table. Similarly, Peter has created the world's first complete yield management restaurant system and created the world's first fully autonomous restaurant system.

To bring his technological inventions and innovations to life for the benefit of restaurants which continue to struggle through these times of rising costs, labour shortages and dwindling margins, Peter founded WizButler. The WizButler technology and software can increase a restaurant's profit margin from 5% to over 20% something that will help completely revolutionise the industry.

Prior to his focus on restaurant technology, he enjoyed a successful 18-year career as a restaurateur, creating his own drink, dine and entertainment precinct "GPO Grand," featuring 15 award-winning venues. Peter Petroulas embodies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and business.

Rafaela is the news reporter at FoodBev Media, a platform dedicated to the dissemination of food and beverage industry news.

The catering industry is a vital part of the food and beverage sector, covering a range of services from technologies to specialised culinary experiences. It focuses on delivering not just food but memorable experiences, adapting to changing trends and preferences. Technology has become integral, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences. I look forward to being the judge of the World Catering Technology Awards!