Andy Walsh

Dynamic hospitality and events professional with over 28 years' experience delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading premium food & beverage operations, and managing large-scale events across the UK. Proven success overseeing luxury hospitality venues, festivals, corporate events, manufacturing operations and commercial brand development. A commercially focused and hands-on leader with a track record of building high-performing teams, improving profitability, delivering operational excellence and creating memorable customer experiences.

Experienced working with internationally recognised brands including Glastonbury Festival, British Airways, LVMH, William Grant & Sons, The Open Championship, The Savoy and The Ritz.

Freelance Events Consultant & Operations Manager - Self-employed - UK

(2017-10)

Delivering operational leadership and consultancy for premium events, hospitality brands and large-scale festivals across the UK.

• Managed food & beverage operations across high-profile national events and luxury hospitality venues.
• Duty Manager for the Artist Bar at Glastonbury Festival, overseeing premium guest experiences and operational delivery.
• Led event operations for Loch Lomond Whiskies at The Open Championship (2023–2026).
• Brand ambassador and events lead for internationally recognised premium drinks brands including LVMH, William Grant & Sons and Loch Lomond Whiskies.
• Delivered brand consultancy, operational planning and event execution across multiple UK venues.

Op's Director Manufacturing & Production - LUHV DRINKS - London

(2020-10 - 2024)

Developed an innovative food and beverage manufacturing business, leading operational strategy and production.

• Designed and launched a complete manufacturing and production operation.
• Successfully introduced two consumer brands within the first 12 months.
• Implemented HACCP systems and achieved SALSA accreditation.
• Developed internal BRC audit processes and operational controls.
• Secured product placement within British Airways Lounges and Concorde Lounge through the launch of an innovative carbon-negative brand.

General Manager Barworks Ltd, London / Director of Op's & Client Relations The Hopes Initiative / Oak Network - Barworks Ltd / The Hopes Initiative / Oak Network - London

(2019-11 - 2020-10)

Managed all aspects of business operations during one of the most challenging periods for the hospitality industry.

• Led day-to-day operations, purchasing, sales, marketing and customer service.
• Introduced new revenue streams and business adaptations during COVID-19 to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Improved inventory management and reduced operational risk.
• Built strong client and supplier relationships to maintain business continuity.

Director of Op's & Client Relations - The Hopes Initiative / Oak Network - London

(2017-10 - 2020-10)

Led operational strategy and business development across a national sustainability and hospitality network.

• Developed partnerships with over 100 independent businesses and multi-site operators.
• Implemented operational and sustainability strategies delivering measurable reductions in energy usage.
• Supported marketing, commercial growth and business development initiatives.
• Winner of the Green Tech Challenge London 2019 for sustainability innovation.

Regional Sales Manager, Brand Manager - Indie Brands [Spirit Distribution] & Lightbox Brands - London and Southwest of England

(2015 - 2017)

Managed regional sales operations across London and the Southwest of England.

• Led teams of Business Development Managers and managed key wholesale and retail accounts.
• Delivered premium brand activations and developed strategic partnerships.
• Worked extensively with iconic brands including Brockmans Gin, Fortaleza Tequila, Glendalough Gin and Angostura Amaro.

Owner and Operator - Door 34 - Bath

Won an award for best late-night bar 2013.

Hospitality Professional - The Savoy - London

Hospitality Professional - The Ritz - London

Hospitality Professional - The Langham - London

Opening Manager and AGM - Smith & Wollensky - London

Hospitality Professional - Milk & Honey - London

Hospitality Professional - Callooh Callay - Shoreditch, London

HND - Advertising Design - Newcastle College (1999 - 2001)

BTEC - Graphic Design - Newcastle College (1999 - 2001)

BA HONS - Graphic Design - Northumbria University (2025)