Milligan-Smith, a 2011 UK Apprentice finalist, will be taking over from Lawrence Shirazian who is leaving the company to pursue other interests.
She said: “I couldn’t be happier with the challenge and opportunity ahead with Aramark. I was really impressed with their growth agenda, their innovation, and the business aspirations for the year ahead.
“We know the consumer and industry has changed immensely in the last 12 months, and I look forward to bringing my food service and food retail perspective to lead the next phase of the company’s UK growth. I can’t wait to meet our people, our clients and our partners in the New Year.”
Previously Milligan-Smith was the head of retail at Greggs UK and more recently she was working with Brakes/Sysco. She left her role as head of M & S Simply Foods to take control of Aramark’s operational growth and innovation strategy for all UK markets.
Frank Gleeson, chief executive of Aramark Northern Europe, added: “This is an excellent appointment for our UK business, as well as Northern Europe overall. We’re not just excited about the skillset, expertise and experience that Helen will bring, but the character and personality we know will galvanise our entire business for the year ahead.
“She is a dynamic, and people-focused leader, who gets culture, who delivers growth, who drives innovation, and who notably brings a wealth of experience in organisational strategy. We look forward to what she will bring to our people, our clients, our customers, and indeed the whole industry going forward.”
The Aramark mission is to ‘deliver experiences that enrich and nourish lives with a long-standing commitment to advance sustainable practices that minimise impacts to people, animals and the environment’.