The company, recently named as one of the top 100 companies in Norfolk by Grant Thornton, is expanding rapidly having already secured 18 new contracts in the past 12 months across both the education and business and industry (B&I) sectors.
Shirley Edwards, co-director of Edwards & Blake, said: “This new role has been created to grow the business further from its current strong position as a leading, owner run specialist catering service provider in the market.
“We’re delighted to welcome Adrian to the senior management team.
“His experience will be invaluable as we enter the next stage of the company’s growth and development. We pride ourselves on high standards of food and exceeding customer expectations and Adrian shares these values.”
Cooke added: “Edwards and Blake is acknowledged to be one of the most innovative contract caterers with an unrivalled reputation for excellence and customer service.
“Shirley and Caroline are creative by tradition and we are all passionate about delivering great food and innovative services.
“As a result I am obviously looking forward to visiting potential clients and customers and spreading the message about our locally sourced produce, our fantastic staff and our creative menus.”
A chef by training, he believes his 20 years in kitchens and restaurants provided the ideal experience for the move into catering management.
Owned and managed by Shirley Edwards and Caroline Blake, Edwards & Blake is based in Swaffham in Norfolk. It looks after over 85 contracts, has more than 500 staff and turns over £15m a year.