Groves, who at the end of April, will bring more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He formed his own catering company, which merged with Ultimate Experience to become the Concerto Group in 2000. He will oversee the expansion of Smart’s hospitality arm alongside Michelin-starred creative director Angela Hartnett.
Groves said: "I am tremendously excited about this next stage in my career. Smart Hospitality offers me the chance to get back to the types of events that I love, from operating in Greenfield sites and large sporting events to building strong relationships with venues."
Hodgkins, who is the former managing director of Keith Prowse, has worked on a number of high-profile sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup and Euro 1996.
He said: "I am thrilled to be joining Smart Group - a company with such a fantastic reputation and huge opportunities to build on their enviable event contracts and client relationships. I’m really looking forward to working with the team."
Greg Lawson, chief executive of Smart Group, added: "I have known Richard for a long time and have worked closely with him on the Olympics Hospitality Centre contract, and when our ambitions broadened into the corporate hospitality sector, I knew there was no-one better placed to lead us forward than Andrew with his enormous experience as MD of Keith Prowse.
"The impact these two luminaries in their industries will have on Smart is a truly exciting prospect."
Comment below to let us know what you think.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine .