ceda welcomes two new Board Directors

We’re delighted to announce two new appointments to the ceda Board.

Mo Romanowicz, of NCE Group and Claire Smith, of ABDA Design, have been duly ratified in by the ceda Board and are now ceda Board Directors.

ceda Chair, Kirstin Hatherley, is enthusiastic about what the pair can bring to the Board. She said, “I am delighted that Mo and Claire are joining us on the ceda Board. They both have significant experience in the industry and will bring a wealth of knowledge to ceda and our growing community. I have no doubt that they will be great assets.”

Mo is thrilled to have been invited to join the ceda Board. He said, “It’s an incredible opportunity to contribute to meaningful discussions concerning the foodservice equipment industry and drive positive change within the community.”

Mo is passionate about mental health and hopes to make a positive impact and focus on improving mental health awareness across the industry. He adds, “I feel truly fortunate to be in a position where I can make a positive impact on my team, our customers, the industry and the wider community within the industry. Being a part of the ceda Board is the cherry on top, offering even more opportunities to contribute by sharing my years of experience and passion to help, so I feel deeply honoured and grateful for this opportunity.”

Mo set up Northern Catering Equipment in 2017 and has grown the business by acquisition and formed the NCE Group. He’s currently CEO at the NCE Group.

Having worked in hospitality design for her entire career, Claire is thrilled to join the ceda Board. She said, “I have seen ceda develop and evolve into the diverse association it is today and I am very much looking forward to being a part of its future.

“I have a huge passion for hospitality design and how the operation and aesthetics of a space work together. I am really enthusiastic about the next generation coming through the industry and creating a more diverse workforce. I’m looking forward to working with the Board and the ceda Academy to see how this looks.”

Claire worked in admin, estimating and sales at the beginning of her career for the family business. In 2003 she joined CDG as a project consultant and developed a passion for interiors and worked closely with the design team on projects. In 2011 she joined ABDA and was drawn to high-end projects and design-led interiors. She became a director in 2019 and now looks after new business, key accounts, marketing and PR, alongside the day-to-day running of the business with her colleagues. In recent years Claire has been involved in industry panels at HRC, The Restaurant Show, Independent Hotel Show and Clarkenwell Design Week. She also speaks regularly at the University of Northampton, working with design students on workshops and career development.