The appointment was enthusiastically received by Arena members when it was announced at the Arena Face2Face Interview & Lunch on Monday 24 September 2012.
Matthews will officially take the reins on Monday 3 December 2012 at the Arena Christmas Lunch.
Her CV includes senior positions in the hotel sector including Moat House and Forte, contract caterers Aramark and Elior, the NAAFI,and now CEO of RP Global the major events arm of the Russell Partnership.
Her career reached its pinnacle in September 2009 when she joined LOCOG as head of catering cleaning and Waste Services, a programme that included the largest peacetime cleaning operation in the World, and a period that saw her lead a team of 500 volunteers, 140 LOCOG staff and 22,000 contractors, serving 14 million meals in six weeks.
Lorraine Wood, director of Arena, commented: “Jan’s appointment to chairman marks the start of an exciting new period for Arena. Jan is probably now best known for her key role and fantastic achievements during the incredible London 2012 Olympic Games, but let’s not overlook the impressive career that led her there.
“Her experience and knowledge developed in the hotel sector, contract catering, NAAFI, and of course the Olympic Games, will be of immense benefit to Arena and our members. I very much look forward to working with Jan and continuing to progress and evolve Arena as a thriving and valuable industry association.”