Our Team
Steven Hancock - Managing Director
Founder and Managing Director, Steven takes an active role in working with our clients whilst growing the Zest brand. Steven’s passion for food and great hospitality service is reflected in The Zest Group’s ethos, all your event needs. Hard work, determination and the support of family and friends enabled Zest to grow into the UK Company it is today. Steven’s passion is always evident and he continues to lead the Zest team to new exciting heights. Steven’s background before Zest has always centred around hospitality ranging from fine dining to stage production and hospitality management for some of Europe’s largest and leading venues
David Lewsley FCA - Finance Director
David invested in Zest as a shareholder at the beginning of 2010. He is the Managing Partner of Gregory Wildman Chartered Accountants and is an investor in, and director of, various other enterprises. He brings a wealth of business and financial knowledge to the team and his strengths lie within seeing new opportunities. Since becoming part of the Zest team he has significantly strengthened its future direction. David enjoys and values his family time immensely and likes nothing more than escaping with them to his retreat in the Scottish Highlands.
Scott Cotter - Director of Operations and Banqueting
Scott Cotter has recently joined the Zest Board of Directors, managing Operations and Banqueting. Scott brings vast experience with him, gained working at renowned locations such as Somerset House, Wembley Stadium, the Royal Opera House, the Natural History Museum and the V&A. Scott will now manage the front of house and operations teams across all the venues that The Zest Group work within.
Chris Hodges - Junior Sous Chef
Chris joined the Zest team in 2009 and has been an asset ever since. Training and learning under Executive and Head Chefs has allowed Chris to further expand his chef capabilities. Chris manages back to back covers at Bletchley Park and leads the chef team for the wedding breakfasts as well as managing our corporate client requirements. Chris is key to Andrew’s team in planning the logistics for our larger events. With a skill for detail, Chris enjoys making our finer desserts
Debbie Shults - Cafe Manager
As our Café Manager, Debbie manages a team of 10 who on average serve over 600 covers a day, up to 1000 in peak summer season. The Bletchley Park Cafe has thrived this year with Debbie’s leadership and skills. Her friendly outlook and strong working knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety has enabled a strong team to form, looking after all Bletchley Park cafe clients and building relationships with local businesses.
Greg Pounds - Director Sales and Events
Greg is a founder employee of The Zest Group and has a brilliant rapport with all our top clients. Currently managing clients such as Aston Martin and The National Trust, Greg’s understanding of client needs is second to none. He is also perfect to guide intimate events such as weddings and private dining, event coordinating over 400 events to date, all personable and unique to our clients. With over 15 years experience in Sales, Greg enjoys a challenge and enjoys working with new venues and clients maximising, their hospitality experience. Recently engaged, Greg is now in the process of planning his own wedding!
Joanna Hancock - Director Marketing
Joanna joined our Zest team after returning to the UK from working in Sydney, Australia, for the NSW Department of Commerce. Masters qualified in Management specialising in Marketing, Joanna heads our Group marketing and our exclusive sites. Working as Marketing Manager for The Prince’s Regeneration Trust which was Joanna’s last post in the UK stands her in great stead for understanding the constraints surrounding Listed Building and the local community. Always up for a challenge, Joanna has recently trekked the Great Wall of China and got to the summit of Kilimanjaro whilst raising money for The Prostate Cancer Charity.
Rhiannon Shaw - Hospitality Coordinator Bletchley
The newest member of the Zest team, Rhiannon joins us from the De Vere group, bringing with her a wealth of sales and hospitality experience. At De Vere Rhiannon was a key account holder within the events department. Rhiannon’s passion for hospitality started within a national cosmetic company, where she dealt regularly with high end customers sourcing solutions. Her calm and warm personality ensures your event will be second to none and you will be looked after from initial contact until your last guest has left. In her ‘down time’ Rhiannon enjoys cooking, dining out, walks with her Labrador, travelling and generally just socialising.
Simon Sharpe - Group Executive Head Chef
Our newest team member! Simon has worked with us on a number of occasions over the last four years, and boasts excellent understanding of Zest's values. During his time as a freelance Head Chef, he demonstrated his exemplary cuisine to high-end clients, namely dignitaries and heads of states. Simon has circled the globe working in motor sport hospitality, including a being the Head Chef of the kitchens for Formula 1's prestigious VIP Hospitality. With experience sourcing quality food both locally and globally, Simon has a fantastic flair and understanding of food. You will currently find Simon, writing the new menus for Zest!
