RATIONAL pays tribute to Director Product Management Graham Kille ahead of retirement
Rational UK & Ireland has paid tribute to Graham Kille ahead of his retirement on 31 August, bringing to a close a distinguished 25-year career with the business.
Graham joined Rational in 2001, bringing with him a wealth of practical catering experience gained over nearly two decades in the hospitality sector.
During his time at Rational, Graham held a variety of key positions, progressing from regional sales into key account management and sales leadership roles. In 2013, he became Managing Director of Frima UK, helping to establish and develop the brand before it was reintegrated into Rational in 2017.
Most recently, Graham combined his specialist knowledge of catering operations and kitchen design to support consultants, planners and operators in creating more efficient and future-focused kitchen environments.
He played a significant role in strengthening relationships with Rational’s accredited dealer network, consultants, planners and industry associations, helping to foster successful partnerships across the foodservice sector. He also oversaw the development of the Rational Dealer Partnership training programme, introduced the company’s training and resources app, and was instrumental in bringing ConnectedCooking, Rational’s innovative digital kitchen management platform, to the UK market.
Throughout his career, Graham helped countless operators overcome operational challenges through the application of technology, training and best practice. He was involved in some of the earliest implementations of combi-steaming technology within major UK and Irish catering businesses and became a trusted advisor to customers, consultants and dealer partners alike.
Reflecting on his career, Graham said “I’ve been fortunate to spend my career working within an industry I genuinely enjoy. Whether as a chef, manager or at Rational, the most rewarding part has always been helping people solve problems and achieve success. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside fantastic colleagues, dealer partners, consultants and customers over the years, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Brendon Land, Managing Director of Rational UK & Ireland, said “Graham has made an exceptional contribution to Rational over the past 25 years. His industry knowledge, technical expertise and unwavering focus on delivering customer benefit have had a lasting impact on our business and on the wider foodservice industry. Through his work with our accredited dealers, consultants, planners and industry associations, he has helped shape countless successful projects and partnerships. On behalf of everyone at Rational, I would like to thank Graham for his dedication and commitment and wish him every happiness in his retirement.”
Following Graham’s retirement, his responsibilities will be assumed by Will Crighton, who will continue to work closely with Rational’s accredited dealer network, consultants and customers, ensuring the ongoing development of the company’s technical support, training initiatives and industry partnerships.
