Compass Group UK & Ireland has appointed Michael Lambourne as CEO of Compass One. Michael will have responsibility for overseeing all of Compass’s public-sector business in the UK & Ireland, including its facilities-management operations.

Compass One includes leading public sector businesses such as ESS, Medirest, Chartwells Schools and the Cuisine Centre; operating across Defence, Marine and Aerospace; Energy, Government and Infrastructure; Healthcare and state Education. Compass One also operates the company’s extensive FM capability.

The sector looks to deliver greater value, innovation and operational excellence for clients and sees around 25,000 colleagues, supporting many clients, often working in complex operating environments.

Michael has relocated to the UK from Compass Group Australia, where he previously held the role as Executive Director for ESS, Chartwells, Medirest and Morrison Living. He has been with Compass for nine years and has led several businesses, including Australian Defence, Restaurant Associates, Eurest and Rapport. Prior to Compass, Michael worked in mining and resources, manufacturing and distribution sectors in a range of senior finance and strategy roles.

Michael brings extensive leadership experience, strong operational expertise and a deep commitment to people, culture and the highest standards of health and safety. He will join the Compass Group UK & Ireland Executive team and report to Charlie Brown, Interim CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland.

Michael brings fresh thinking, innovation and a proven track record of delivering across the public sector. Our public sector business is industry leading and with Michael's support we will continue to focus on delivering commercial value for our customers, while doing the right thing for people and planet, delivering jobs, opportunities and skills for our people.

Charlie Brown, Interim CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland

I am really looking forward to getting started. It’s been great to meet the team in recent weeks and learning more about the business and our clients. One thing that is consistent across borders is that it’s always a huge privilege to work in the public sector. Our teams work in complex environments, supporting diverse customer requirements, at key moments in people’s lives.

I am hugely proud to be leading the teams that provide such essential services, 24/7, supporting many parts of the country’s critical infrastructure.

Michael Lambourne, CEO, Compass One