Barrett, who will join the company next month, was appointed after a six-month industry search. He joins from catering provider Baxter Storey where he worked in senior executive roles for nine years, delivering its London 2012 Olympic Games contract and heading up the brand’s entry into Ireland.
Darren Deadman will also join Barrett at Create as group executive chef, following five years working for Leith’s @ Excel in the same role. Prior to this he was executive head chef at Seasoned Events and executive chef banqueting at Grosvenor House.
Finally, Penny Porter has also joined the Concerto Group as head of its bespoke events division, Mask.
The Concerto Group’s financial figures show a 68% uplift in group operating profit and a 74% increase in profit after tax.
Teresa-Anne Dunleavy, chief executive of Concerto, said: "The change agenda we initiated at Concerto 18 months ago is now paying off. Our financial performance has improved dramatically, staff retention and motivation are excellent and client feedback is better than it has ever been.
"This year’s results mark a step change in terms of overall performance, and is set to continue as we consolidate our strengths and address residual weaknesses."
Dunleavy added that she attributed the financial success to a culture change and greater professional rigour across its disciplines, as well as attracting and retaining talent.
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