Clarke Tomlinson

Chief Operating Officer

19.3 yrs experienceFood & Beverages

Apr 2025Added yesterday

The move

MoveGrandiose Catering → Erth Abu Dhabi

TitleGeneral Manager → Chief Operating Officer

LocationDubai → Dubai

Cross-border moveNo — same country

Native languageEnglish

Years in UAE10.2

Total experience19.3 years

Erth Abu Dhabi headcount1,001-5,000 employees

Erth Abu Dhabi industryHospitality

Erth Abu Dhabi HQAbu Dhabi

Erth Abu Dhabi founded1997

Erth Abu Dhabi typePrivately Held

Career arc

Chief Operating OfficerApr 2025 — Present
Erth Abu Dhabi· Full-time
General ManagerFeb 2023 — Apr 2025
Erth Abu Dhabi· Full-time
General ManagerAug 2021 — Feb 2023
Grandiose Catering· Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
General ManagerApr 2020 — Aug 2021
AAbu Dhabi National Hotels Compass ME LLC
Operations ManagerAug 2018 — Apr 2020
AAbu Dhabi National Hotels Compass ME LLC· Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Catering & Performance Manager (Global Lounge Restuarants)Oct 2015 — Aug 2018
Etihad Airways· United Arab Emirates· Full-time
Manager Culinary Standards & Menu Design (5 Hub Lounges)Sep 2012 — Oct 2015
Etihad Airways· United Arab Emirates· Full-time
On-Board Private ChefDec 2011 — Sep 2012
Etihad Airways· United Arab Emirates
Head Chef - Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa Dubai Marina UAEAug 2011 — Dec 2011
Habtoor Hospitality· United Arab Emirates
Head Chef / Manager (Blenheim Palace)Feb 2010 — Aug 2011
SSodexo Prestige Venues & Events· woodstock oxfordshire
Head ChefJan 2009 — Mar 2010
DDuke of Marlborough Woodstock· Woodstock Oxfordshire England
Freelance Sous ChefAug 2008 — Jan 2009
TThe Royal Restaurant Perth Australia, Cactus Steak House Queensland· Australia
ChefJan 2008 — Aug 2008
Brasenose Arms Oxfordshire· Oxford, United Kingdom
Chef de PartieJan 2007 — Jan 2008
Sodexo· United Kingdom

Education

Oxford & Cherwell valley College // Chef School
Hospitality & Catering Management · Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager2001 — 2003

Languages

Top skills

Growth StrategiesTeam DevelopmentCoachingFinancial ResponsibilitiesOperationsBusiness Strategy

About

Experienced hospitality leader with a global career spanning the UK, UAE, and Australia. My background includes diverse roles across high-volume contract catering, Michelin-starred restaurants, 5-star luxury hotels and international airport lounges. Formally trained and qualified in Catering and Hospitality Management, I bring a strong foundation in operational leadership, complemented by current HACCP and Food Safety certifications. I have successfully led multi-site operations with significant revenue responsibility across both the UK and the UAE. Currently overseeing large, high-performing teams across multiple locations in the UAE, I specialize in driving operational excellence across restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets — consistently delivering strong results through structured l

Share this move

View profile on LinkedIn