Meet Jessen, Deputy Head of Venue Operations
Meet Jessen, our Deputy Head of Venue Catering Operations. Jessen has been with Moving Venue for over 4 years and has become a well-known member of the team to both our venues and clients. We had a chat to learn a little more about him…
To start off, tell us a little about you!
I was born and grew up in Mauritius. In 2003, I came to the UK for university to study Business Management. My first job in catering was in 2004 as a back-of-house porter. I still visit Mauritius as much as I can.
How did you start out in the industry?
After university I attended an open day for back-of-house porters and met with a caterer called Turtle Soup in Shoreditch, which later was renamed Ampersand. I loved the vibe of their team so joined full time, now equipped with my business management degree, as Warehouse and Logistics Manager. Eventually I joined the front-of-house team. This was my first look into the London venue catering world.
What brought you to Moving Venue?
After Ampersand, I moved back to Mauritius for a while to start my own business, supplying micro-cress to hotels. I came back to the UK in 2018 as I missed my family and joined the Moving Venue team as a Senior Event Manager. I moved into my current role as Deputy Head of Venue Catering Operations the following year.
How did the pandemic effect the industry from your perspective?
It was a really difficult time – but we got through it. In honesty, now we’re back, it feels like we never left. The calendar for Summer events is at full capacity. People are just happy to be out, socialising, networking, and so are we!
Do you have a favourite London venue?
I’ve been very lucky to work at some of London’s most iconic venues throughout my career, including museums, galleries, historic landmarks, palaces and brand-new purpose-built spaces. Each and every venue has its own identity, character and vibe. Impossible to choose!
What’s the most operationally challenging event you’ve ever run?
In 2021 I operated a four day conference at Science Museum. There were 300 guests in attendance (many of which were VVIPs) and 600 crew members who were occupying just about every event space and kitchen in the entire building! It was a huge group effort – so many of the Moving Venue team were involved in pulling off what was ultimately a huge success, but it was a challenge!
Advice for people starting in the industry?
You have to have passion – you have to love it. That’s what makes the real difference when it comes to this industry. If you’re passionate, everyone around you can feel it, it brings the event to another level.
