Nav Daine, head of innovation for Levy UK at Chelsea Football Club, will head up the new arm under the title ‘chair of public catering’.
Stadium Experience previously focused purely on the conference and events side of the sports stadium business.
Daine has worked in the leisure and hospitality industry for the last 17 years including within nightclubs and in event operations.
He will join the association’s Leadership Team and be the voice for public catering teams at stadium venues across the UK & Ireland.
“Until recently, there was no real platform for public catering experts across such a vast spectrum of stadia to confer and share best practise,” said Daine.
“Stadium Experience allows for the gathering of greatly experienced and inquisitive minds to share learnings.
“At Levy, we firmly believe in the role food and drink plays in overall fan engagement and enjoyment. The concourses have started the journey to revolutionise their offer within the digital era.
“In comparison to the high street, the challenge within stadia is considerably more intense due to complex operational logistics. If you thought you were on own this is no longer the case - if you need to consult with likeminded individuals, you now have a wide pool of professionals to do so.”
Daine has been credited with having increased spend per head during his time with Chelsea FC for Levy UK, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland.
In his new role he will be charged with determining how Stadium Experience can help, support and share operational knowledge with members, as well as with developing the calendar of events for members, suppliers and sponsors, sharing innovative technological and operational advancements.
Stadium Experience was established in 2002 and is a collaboration of over 50 football and rugby clubs across the UK and Ireland
Overall chair for the organisation and sales manager at Liverpool Football Club, Collette Salmon, added: “We are pleased that Nav has accepted this appointment, and know he will continue to contribute so much to the industry.”