In her expanded role Wright will lead both the CSR and food strategy to ensure that the company not only delivers the highest quality food but also meets its near-term Net Zero and carbon reductions targets for 2030.
Wright said: “I am incredibly proud of the work we have done. I am exciting to take on this expanded role and to continue our journey towards Net Zero while ensuring our food strategy aligns with our commitment to quality, responsibility and innovation.”
She will lead a team that includes the newly appointed food development director, CSR manager, head of nutrition and head of menu development. Under her leadership, the company has delivered several impactful initiatives, including:
- A Lifetime of Enrichment: By 2025, Elior aims to contribute 28,835 days of social value and is currently over 83% towards achieving its goal.
- Tackling Food Waste: The Footprint Reporting Assistant (FRA), designed to help achieve the goal of a 50% food waste reduction by 2030.
- Water Unite Partnership: To date over £100,000 has been raised, supporting water sanitation and recycling projects across East Africa.
- Annual Charity Dinner and Fundraising: The annual charity dinner raised £30,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
- CSR Reporting: A new CSR dashboard was introduced which allows for greater transparency on carbon footprint, food waste and plastic usage.
- Green Force: A network of 170 active members that drive positive environmental and social practices.
- Eco-Points and Just One Tree: For every ten eco-points earned through low-carbon meal purchases, Elior plants a tree in partnership with Just One Tree.
- Carbon Labelling Partnership with University of Cambridge: The trial showed a 1.5% shift from meat to vegetarian choices and a 1% increase in the selection of lower-carbon dishes.
In her new role, Wright will also oversee Elior UK’s new three-year charity partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with food allergies.
Elior operates high profile catering contracts across the B&I, health & care home, defence, education, stadia and heritage sectors. It provides customers with a bespoke offer that focuses on ‘great food, drink and customer service’.
Justin Johnson, human resources director at Elior UK, added: "Charlotte is an invaluable asset to Elior who has embraced opportunities to have a positive impact on our business and the communities we serve.
“Charlotte’s contributions to our CSR activity has been transformative and I am sure that she will bring the same success to our food strategy ensuring that Elior is at the forefront of innovation and food development whilst at the same time meeting our sustainability goals.”