Our story

Our CEO, Ben Gardner, founded Navitas Safety on the back of his father’s respected environmental health consultancy. As a compliance expert and EHO with almost 40 years’ experience, Derek Gardner’s frontline expertise, developed over countless hours in the field, still forms the bedrock of everything we do today.

Navitas means “diligence” and “energy,” both of which are captured in the spirit and culture of our company, driving everything we do and supporting all we believe in. We combine deep subject matter expertise with an agile, entrepreneurial mindset to get things done – quickly and well.

Our mission

To de-risk and protect businesses, their teams, and their customers.

To combine technology, consulting, and training into a single, connected platform that just works.

To deliver solutions that do more than just tick regulatory boxes; they also inspire confidence and give peace of mind.

Our vision

To be the preferred safety and compliance partner for busy organisations managing food service delivery across multiple service points and/or locations.

To end non-compliance and safety headaches by helping businesses relying on manual processes transition to digital technology that’s simple, intuitive, and easy to use.

To be seen as not only a supplier but an active, responsive partner, helping clients stay compliant and in control – without adding complexity.

Our team

Leadership

Ben Gardner
Chief Executive Officer

Inspired by his father, an experienced EHO with over 30 years of experience, Ben brings a lifelong understanding of the hospitality industry to his role as CEO, which he has held since 2018 I

Best part of my job: Helping businesses reduce their risk profile by creating tech, training and consultancy solutions that mean they can focus more time on creating great customer experiences.

Most proud of: Building on my father’s expertise and experience to expand our traditional offering into the digital space, combining technology, expert consulting, and targeted training into one cohesive experience.I.

Geoffrey Finlay
Chairman

Sally has been with Navitas Safety since 2016. Previously our Operations Director, she was promoted to COO in May 2025.

Best part of my job: The sense of purpose in what we do. Safety isn’t just ticking boxes; it’s protecting people and giving businesses confidence.

Most proud of: Leading the development of stronger systems and structures to give our audit team more effective support and improve consistency for clients.

Andrew McCafferty
Chief Finance Officer

Bringing an impressive pedigree in customer service, operations, and training, Rob joined Navitas Safety in his current role in 2021.

Best part of my job: Navitas’ culture of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my personal mission to empower people in their roles so they can better serve our customers.

Most proud of: Leading the transformation of our customer onboarding journey from a traditional, transactional model to a truly engaging, consultative experience.

Kerrie Patrick
Financial Controller

Bringing an impressive pedigree in customer service, operations, and training, Rob joined Navitas Safety in his current role in 2021.

Best part of my job: Navitas’ culture of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my personal mission to empower people in their roles so they can better serve our customers.

Most proud of: Leading the transformation of our customer onboarding journey from a traditional, transactional model to a truly engaging, consultative experience.

Sally Ward
Chief Operating Officer

Sally has been with Navitas Safety since 2016. Previously our Operations Director, she was promoted to COO in May 2025.

Best part of my job: The sense of purpose in what we do. Safety isn’t just ticking boxes; it’s protecting people and giving businesses confidence.

Most proud of: Leading the development of stronger systems and structures to give our audit team more effective support and improve consistency for clients.

Matt Devaney
Chief Technology Officer

Bringing an impressive pedigree in customer service, operations, and training, Rob joined Navitas Safety in his current role in 2021.

Best part of my job: Navitas’ culture of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my personal mission to empower people in their roles so they can better serve our customers.

Most proud of: Leading the transformation of our customer onboarding journey from a traditional, transactional model to a truly engaging, consultative experience.

Ben Gardner
Chief Executive Officer

Inspired by his father, an experienced EHO with over 30 years of experience, Ben brings a lifelong understanding of the hospitality industry to his role as CEO, which he has held since 2018.

Best part of my job: Helping businesses reduce their risk profile by creating tech, training and consultancy solutions that mean they can focus more time on creating great customer experiences.

Most proud of: Building on my father’s expertise and experience to expand our traditional offering into the digital space, combining technology, expert consulting, and targeted training into one cohesive experience.

Geoffrey Finlay
Chairman

Sally has been with Navitas Safety since 2016. Previously our Operations Director, she was promoted to COO in May 2025.

Best part of my job: The sense of purpose in what we do. Safety isn’t just ticking boxes; it’s protecting people and giving businesses confidence.

Most proud of: Leading the development of stronger systems and structures to give our audit team more effective support and improve consistency for clients.

Andrew McCafferty
Chief Finance Officer

Bringing an impressive pedigree in customer service, operations, and training, Rob joined Navitas Safety in his current role in 2021.

Best part of my job: Navitas’ culture of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my personal mission to empower people in their roles so they can better serve our customers.

Most proud of: Leading the transformation of our customer onboarding journey from a traditional, transactional model to a truly engaging, consultative experience.

Kerrie Patrick
Financial Controller

Bringing an impressive pedigree in customer service, operations, and training, Rob joined Navitas Safety in his current role in 2021.

Best part of my job: Navitas’ culture of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my personal mission to empower people in their roles so they can better serve our customers.

Most proud of: Leading the transformation of our customer onboarding journey from a traditional, transactional model to a truly engaging, consultative experience.

Sally Ward
Chief Operating Officer

Sally has been with Navitas Safety since 2016. Previously our Operations Director, she was promoted to COO in May 2025.

Best part of my job: The sense of purpose in what we do. Safety isn’t just ticking boxes; it’s protecting people and giving businesses confidence.

Most proud of: Leading the development of stronger systems and structures to give our audit team more effective support and improve consistency for clients.

Matt Devaney
Chief Technology Officer

Bringing an impressive pedigree in customer service, operations, and training, Rob joined Navitas Safety in his current role in 2021.

Best part of my job: Navitas’ culture of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my personal mission to empower people in their roles so they can better serve our customers.

Most proud of: Leading the transformation of our customer onboarding journey from a traditional, transactional model to a truly engaging, consultative experience.

Our team

Department Heads

Kirstie Jones
Head of Safety

Kelly Brunet
Head of Client Operations

Wesley Stimson
Senior Project Manager

Lee Gould
Head of Service Delivery

Paul Bates
Senior Design Engineer

Rob Brown
Head of Operations

Narcis French
Commercial Manager

Ben Saunders
Head of customer success

Kirstie Jones
Head of Safety

Kelly Brunet
Head of Client Operations

Wesley Stimson
Senior Project Manager

Lee Gould
Head of Service Delivery

Paul Bates
Senior Design Engineer

Rob Brown
Head of Operations

Narcis French
Commercial Manager

Ben Saunders
Head of customer success

Download the Hotel Safety Brochure now

Download the Hotel Safety Brochure now

Download the Hotel Safety Brochure now

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