Independent, B Corp-certified contract caterer Houston & Hawkes has promoted Josh Key to marketing director, recognising the role he has played in shaping the business’s brand and creative identity since joining in 2022.
Throughout his career, Key has developed deep experience in the catering industry, having held a range of senior marketing and business development positions at BaxterStorey, Benugo, and Blue Apple Catering. In 2020, he was named one of The Caterer’s Acorn Awards winners, an annual programme celebrating 30 of the hospitality industry’s brightest prospects under 30. He arrived at Houston & Hawkes as sales and marketing manager before being promoted to head of marketing in January 2025.
In his expanded role, Key will lead Houston & Hawkes’ marketing strategy, focusing on strengthening the brand and continuing to raise the company’s profile across the hospitality sector through creative storytelling that brings its food, people and purpose to life. He will also play a central role in supporting the company’s continued growth while ensuring its teams and clients continue to receive exceptional service and support.
Josh Key said: “I’m proud to take on this next step and to keep building on what we’ve achieved so far. Houston & Hawkes has always been ambitious about how we tell our story – sharing the impact we’re making and what makes us different – and I’m looking forward to taking that further.”
Simon Houston, co-founder and director at Houston & Hawkes, said: “Josh has been a brilliant addition to this business since he joined, and this promotion is a natural reflection of the impact he’s had. He understands our ambition, our values and what makes Houston & Hawkes different, and we’re excited to see what he does next in this role.”
