PB (as he is known) is a graduate of the Maastricht Hotel Management School in The Netherlands and holds a Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management. After leaving Maastricht for the US he completed the Hospitality Summer Program at Cornell University and then went on to work full time at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York in 1994.

During his time at this world-renowned hotel PB was appointed Director of both Oscar’s and Bull & Bear Restaurant. In addition, he was made a member of the Food & Beverage Planning Committee, with direct responsibility for setting out the strategy for The Waldorf’s Food & Beverage Operation. His leadership qualities resulted in him being inaugurated into The Waldorf Astoria Distinguished Alumni Club.

In 1999 PB returned to Europe and focused on setting up his own businesses including a catering firm, a restaurant and a golf club hospitality operation in The Netherlands and Germany.

Six years later, PB was headhunted and successfully appointed as the first Managing Director of “rhubarb” food design in London. In the years since, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing “rhubarb’s” five-year business strategy and, as a result, the company’s revenue has grown from £4.5 million in 2004 to a predicted £28 million in 2011.

PB’s business strategy has been founded on four key principles: organic growth, diversification, acquisition and franchising. Under his leadership, “rhubarb” now has three successful divisions - “rhubarb” Events, “rhubarb” Venues and “rhubarb” Restaurants & Bars.

With the additional recent acquisition of two home counties-based caterers, “rhubarb’s” Events arm annually caters for over 800 events, both nationwide and internationally.

PB’s business background was also a key driver in the creation of “rhubarb’s” restaurant portfolio - currently operating seven sites in London, including Heathrow Airport, Gallery Mess at the Saatchi Gallery on the Kings Road, Bond & Brook at Fenwick Bond Street, London City Airport and no fewer than three restaurants at the Royal Albert Hall.

“rhubarb” is the exclusive caterer at this latter venue, providing food and beverage for 13 bars, 3 restaurants, 142 boxes and all private events, and this prestigious contract was won as a direct result of a long drawn out tender process driven by PB.

In addition, PB was also instrumental in winning contracts to provide F&B at both Royal Ascot Racing Club and Silver Fleet, and he is still very much involved with both these ongoing contracts via his key relationships with client’s and business owners.

PB relishes challenge in the dynamic world of events – London 2012 is fast approaching and he is excited about being involved in such a groundbreaking sporting (and event industry) occasion.

PB’s core business skills lie in people- and transition-management. He is adept at creating chemistry at client and management level, as well as on the office and event floor. He is a Board Member as well as a shareholder in the business, and in addition to diversifying the business, PB has focused on building a strong senior management team covering all business disciplines.  “rhubarb” employees now number over 150 full time staff, and more than 400 part time.

Throughout his time at “rhubarb”, PB has had an unwavering commitment to the brand’s quality, as well as it’s creative, bold and innovative approach, and his appointment has undoubtedly enabled the company to grow dramatically without ever compromising on perfect product.