Airedale Group appoints operations chief

Commercial kitchen design, installation and service specialist Airedale Group has appointed Leasa Darlington as group chief operating officer in a newly created role supporting its growth plans.

Leasa joins from Johnson Controls, where she spent 25 years in roles spanning service delivery, sales, general management and business improvement.

She brings experience leading large service businesses across the UK, Europe and US, alongside developing teams and using technology to improve operational performance.

Her initial focus will be on Airedale’s service businesses, strengthening delivery and ensuring teams have the tools, information and support needed to serve customers effectively.

Leasa’s remit will later expand across the group’s projects and installation activities, supporting its wider design, build, maintain and optimise offering.

She said: “What attracted me to Airedale was the depth of expertise in its teams and the importance of the work they do. 

“When a kitchen cannot operate, the impact on the customer is immediate. 

“Our ability to respond, solve problems and help prevent disruption makes a real difference.

“My first priority is to spend time with colleagues and customers, listening to what works well and where we can make their experience better. 

“Giving our teams the right tools, information and support will help us resolve issues faster and deliver consistently excellent service as the business grows.”

Leasa’s appointment further strengthens Airedale’s leadership team following Charlotte Bywell becoming co-chief executive alongside Rob Bywell, Joanna Allen joining as chief financial officer and Barry Acton taking up the newly-created role of chief commercial officer.

Charlotte Bywell, co-chief executive of Airedale Group, added: “Our ambition is to be the partner customers trust to create outstanding kitchens and keep them performing at their best. 

“For customers, that means dependable support, less disruption and confidence that their kitchens can meet the demands of their business. 

“Our scale gives us the reach and resources to support some of the UK’s most demanding kitchen operations. 

“The opportunity is to combine that strength with the specialist knowledge, responsiveness and personal relationships our teams bring every day.

“Leasa understands what it takes to deliver excellent service at scale. 

“Her leadership will help us turn our investment in people, technology and training into lasting improvements for customers, while supporting our colleagues to do their best work.”

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