Levy UK + Ireland, the sports and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK and Ireland, is delighted to announce Dr Vincent Walsh’s appointment as Director of Decarbonisation.
Dr Walsh, a highly respected ecosystems expert, and prominent leader in supply chain innovation and large-scale decarbonisation programmes, has been working with Levy since 2022 as a key advisor on its sustainability strategy.
The newly created role of Director of Decarbonisation will see Dr Walsh further cement his relationship with Levy, as he finds the best nature-based investment projects in the UK and beyond, fostering new external partnerships which support and align with the company’s ongoing deep decarbonisation journey.
Potential investment projects are expected to span carbon sequestration, agroforestry and aquatic ecosystem projects, aligning with recommendations on nature-based measures in the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget, released last month, which underlined planting new woodland and restoring peatlands as "integral in growing land-based carbon sequestration.”
Dr Walsh will take a nationwide approach, mirroring Levy’s business breadth as he researches new opportunities and partnerships and helps Levy to select the best projects from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Dr Walsh, who holds a PHD in Biospheric Systems, is the founder of the Biohub at Ings Farm, an award-winning regenerative agricultural initiative and pioneering research and development facility, which plays a crucial role in the implementation of Levy’s long-term sustainability strategy.
Set on the edges of an ancient forest in the North Yorkshire uplands, the 92-acre mixed land site was launched in 2022 in collaboration with Levy, Yorkshire Water, Quorn Professionals and RegenFarmCo.
In December 2024, the Biohub won the prestigious £50,000 top prize in the 2024 Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) inaugural Farm491 Mixed Land Use Challenge Prize, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, underscoring its commitment to advancing regenerative agricultural practices.
The Biohub, a live demonstrator farm, hosts regular hands-on workshops for Levy staff to learn about regenerative farming and its benefits. To date, 400+ Levy staff from all areas and levels of the business have attended, helping on regenerative projects to develop the site.
The Biohub has areas dedicated to agroforestry, woodland development, peatland restoration, hydrology, carbon and biodiversity net gain. It also boasts seven acres of wildflower meadows, over twenty regenerative water features and a dozen bee hives, that last year produced honey for Levy clients.
Jon Davies, CEO of Levy UK + I said: “We are delighted that Dr Vincent Walsh has accepted this new pivotal role as Director of Decarbonisation. Levy is a better company for our association with him. His energy, dynamism, knowledge, and commitment to driving change in regenerative agriculture and making the planet a better place is unrivalled. We cannot wait to see the brilliant projects and partnerships he finds for Levy to work with.”
Dr Vincent Walsh said: “I feel privileged to take on the role of Director of Decarbonisation at Levy, an organisation at the forefront of developing robust decarbonisation plans within the hospitality sector. Levy is genuinely committed to sustainable practices and is actively working towards becoming the most climate-positive large-scale caterer possible. I am excited to contribute to this vital journey and help drive Levy's strategic vision for a greener future.”
Kevin Watson, Sustainability Director, Levy said: “Dr Vincent Walsh has been a vital pillar of our long-term sustainability strategy and his positive energy and vision has been instrumental in helping educate Levy teams. I am delighted he is now joining the team to support us in further nature-based environmental and carbon reduction projects. His expertise will be invaluable.”
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