London, England, United Kingdom, July 2025 – James Grist has stepped into the role of Head of People at The Evolv Collection, marking a significant milestone in his career with the renowned premium hospitality group. In this elevated role, James will spearhead people strategies across the group’s iconic restaurant brands, focusing on talent development, organizational culture, and employee engagement.
James previously served as Head of Talent and Development at The Evolv Collection for over four years. In this role, he played a pivotal part in establishing the brand’s talent identity, nurturing growth pathways, and embedding a performance-driven culture across multiple locations in the UK and the US. His long-standing dedication to the hospitality sector and his strategic HR leadership have made him a key pillar of the group’s growth narrative.
Before joining The Evolv Collection, James was Head of Talent at COYA London, where he contributed to shaping the brand’s people experience in a dynamic, fast-paced hospitality environment. Prior to that, he spent over six years with D&D London, where he held roles such as Head of Talent, HR Business Partner – Group, and HR Business Partner – South Place Hotel, gaining valuable expertise in leading multi-brand people initiatives.
Earlier in his career, James held operational leadership roles at BALANS Restaurants Limited, rising from Assistant Manager to Senior General Manager over nearly six years. His experience also includes a stint as Exhibition Food & Beverage Manager at DP Concessions, further grounding his HR strategies in a deep understanding of hospitality operations.
About The Evolv Collection:
The Evolv Collection is a trailblazing hospitality group founded in 1991 by the late Sir Terence Conran. With a portfolio that spans celebrated dining destinations in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and New York, Evolv is committed to excellence in hospitality. Each brand in the collection is rooted in its own rich history, ambiance, and culinary distinction. Known for its guest-centric ethos, the group drives innovation and excellence by investing in its most valuable asset—its people.
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