Olympia Events has announced the appointment of Steven Morris as Executive Chef, marking a pivotal milestone in its transition to an in-house food and beverage (F&B) model. The move follows the strategic decision to internalize all catering operations under Legends Global from 1 January 2026, as part of Olympia’s broader transformation into a world-class destination for events, hospitality, and entertainment.
With more than 30 years of experience across the global hospitality and events industry, Morris brings a wealth of expertise in delivering high-quality culinary experiences across diverse and complex environments. His appointment underscores Olympia Events’ ambition to elevate its F&B offering and deliver a more integrated and premium experience across its venues.
Prior to joining Olympia Events, Morris held senior leadership roles at Gather & Gather, where he played a key role in supporting large-scale stadium and event operations across London. He also worked with Absolute Taste, delivering catering services for major sporting events such as The Open Championship, fixtures at Lord’s Cricket Ground, and the Queen’s Club Championships. In these roles, he managed catering for audiences ranging between 10,000 and 20,000 guests, demonstrating his ability to operate at scale without compromising on quality.
Earlier in his career, Morris spent a decade traveling internationally as Head Chef for the Volvo Ocean Race and the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. During this period, he oversaw kitchen operations across 22 countries, managing complex logistics, supply chains, and menu development in high-pressure, global environments. This experience has equipped him with a unique skill set to deliver consistent, high-standard culinary services across multiple venues and event formats.
In his new role, Morris will lead the development of Olympia Events’ reimagined F&B strategy across its iconic heritage halls, as well as new spaces including the upcoming International Convention Centre (ICC) and The Addison premium lounge. Both venues are set to launch as part of Olympia’s large-scale redevelopment and will play a central role in shaping the future visitor experience.
His responsibilities will include designing innovative menus, introducing new food and beverage concepts, and tailoring offerings for exhibitions, conferences, and live events. The focus will be on creating distinctive culinary experiences that align with the diverse nature of events hosted at Olympia, ranging from large trade exhibitions to premium corporate gatherings.
According to Steve Cooper, SVP of Food & Beverage at Legends Global, Morris’s appointment reflects Olympia’s commitment to excellence. He highlighted Morris’s extensive experience in managing high-profile and complex events, noting that his ability to craft high-quality experiences across varied environments will be instrumental as Olympia prepares for its reopening.
Olympia’s transformation is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious regeneration projects globally. The redevelopment will position the venue at the heart of London’s newest cultural and business district, integrating event spaces with hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and entertainment venues. This vision aims to create a dynamic, all-encompassing destination for both domestic and international audiences.
The shift to an in-house F&B model managed by Legends Global is a key component of this transformation. By bringing operations internally, Olympia Events aims to deliver a more cohesive, consistent, and elevated hospitality experience across all touchpoints. This approach allows for greater control over quality, innovation, and customer experience, ensuring that food and beverage offerings match the scale and ambition of the wider redevelopment.
Rob Colegate, Director of Food & Beverage at Olympia Events, welcomed Morris to the team, emphasizing that his leadership will play a crucial role in defining the future of the venue’s culinary proposition. He noted that Morris’s appointment strengthens the organization’s ability to deliver premium and memorable experiences for organizers, exhibitors, and visitors alike.
Commenting on his new role, Morris described Olympia as a unique opportunity to build a distinctive, venue-wide F&B concept within a globally recognized destination. He outlined a vision that balances heritage and innovation—refining classic British dishes within Olympia’s historic spaces while introducing modern, production-led culinary concepts in newer venues such as the ICC.
A strong emphasis will also be placed on sustainability, aligning with Olympia Events’ long-term environmental strategy known as “The Grand Plan.” Morris will work closely with internal teams to reduce food waste, eliminate single-use plastics, and prioritize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. These initiatives reflect the growing importance of sustainability within the global events and hospitality sectors.
Morris officially joined Olympia Events on 9 February 2026, with new venues and public spaces set to open in phases through early 2027. The International Convention Centre is scheduled to launch in spring 2026, followed by The Addison premium lounge later in the year.
As Olympia enters the final phase of its £1.3 billion regeneration, the appointment of Steven Morris signals a strong commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. With his global expertise and strategic vision, Olympia Events is well-positioned to redefine food and beverage standards within the international events industry.
