Sam Ward, Managing Director of UMBEL Restaurant Group
Formerly the group’s Operations Director, with a total of nine years at the company under his belt, Sam has been appointed Managing Director of Simon Rogan restaurants worldwide. In his new role Sam will oversee every element of Simon’s eight-strong restaurant portfolio, which operates in The Lake District, London and Hong Kong.
Sam grew up in Grange-over-Sands just a mile from Cartmel and began his career with us at the age of 22 as Bar Manager before moving to London to work as a sommelier at The Ritz. Two years later Sam returned to The Lakes where he took on the position of Maitre’d at L’Enclume.
“Sam has been integral to helping us get to where we are today. His energy and passion for the restaurants and our ethos, alongside his knowledge of the hospitality landscape and dedication to ensuring the entire team is the absolute best it can be has been amazing to watch. We’re looking forward to seeing where he takes the group next.” Simon Rogan
“Simon and Penny Rogan have supported me since the beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful to them for every opportunity they have given me. Working for a company home-grown in the Lake District, the place where I grew up and where I still have a huge passion for, has been a dream for me. I couldn’t be more proud to have been appointed Managing Director – I pinch myself to think about the talent within the team that I have the privilege to work with in Cartmel, Windermere, London and HK. There is a real buzz in the company at the moment and we have carved some strong business partnerships over the past few years. There’s still so much we want to achieve as a group with exciting plans for the future.” Sam Ward
Congratulations Sam!
