Expana sat down with Marcel Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of Franco Manca and The Real Greek restaurant chains, for an exclusive five-minute interview. Marcel will be sharing bold insights and what he believes to be the future of the sector at Expana’s Agri-Food Europe event, taking place February 25th to 27th at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam.
[Expana] You’ve seen the food industry undergo significant changes since you began working in the sector. What do you believe were the most critical shifts, and how have you seen businesses adapt to stay ahead?
[Marcel Khan] Hospitality has seen a dearth of talent both front of house and in kitchens in the UK. Service and chef skills don’t just walk in asking for a job anymore. What walks in are young people who need money to pay the bills, but don’t necessarily see Hospitality as a viable career option. That means a massive investment in training with the possibility of a poor ROI in terms of team loyalty.
What my business has done about it is to really have a look at itself as an employer brand. What benefits are there to a potential new employee to join our team? We offer hard and soft skill training, prioritise recognition and rewarding good work, and fostering a culture that’s fun, competitive, and differentiated.
[Expana] What should the food sector be keeping a close eye on that is set to disrupt the sector?
[Marcel Khan] Supply chain disruptions are significant. Geopolitical tensions, environmental changes, transportation problems, and fluctuations in supply and demand can significantly disrupt the food sector. These challenges often leading to shortages, delays and higher costs. Long term partnering and mutually beneficial relationships will be key to weathering these storms.
[Expana] What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it shaped your approach to leadership?
[Marcel Khan] “The reasonable person adapts themselves to the world, the unreasonable person demands that the world adapts itself to them. Therefore all progress is due to the unreasonable person” – George Bernard Shaw.
As business leaders, it’s our job to stay ahead. That means doing things differently. A variation of this quote is “take charge and do the right thing”. Be unreasonable. Take charge. Do the right thing. And be an agent of change. That’s leadership.
[Expana] What are you most looking forward to at Agri-Food Europe?
[Marcel Khan] I’m incredibly excited to hear what Dr. Morgaine Gaye (Food Futurologist) has to say. Specifically, anticipating global trends around the future of food production and consumption.
Hear more from Marcel Khan and other speakers at Agri-Food Europe taking place 26th – 27th February at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam. Find out more here:
Written by
Olympia Theocharous
