It doesn’t feel like 40 years.
That is how Gitte Resdal describes reaching her 40-year work anniversary at Compass Group.
Gitte’s story began in 1986, when she was 18 and looking for a job during her gap year. Her first role involved picking up a washing-up brush and doing the dishes for 700 people.
But after just one week, an opportunity for something new came along.
“After a week working as a temporary dishwasher, I was asked if I wanted to take over a small canteen on my own and prepare the food. I had never cooked before, but I learned pretty quickly. And I realised that working with people and providing service was just right for me,” says Gitte Resdal.
Since then, Gitte has tried her hand at a little bit of everything, progressing from dishwasher to cook, sous chef and head chef. She has also worked as an area manager for Compass Group’s kiosks and completed training in management and accounting through Compass Group.
According to Gitte, the opportunity to develop and take on new challenges is one of the key reasons she is still here 40 years later.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to grow and develop through many different roles at Compass Group, and that has meant a great deal to me.”
Today, Gitte works as a Client Manager, a role she has held for the past 15 years.
“I love it when we win a new client and work hard together to make everything run smoothly. When the client is delighted with the result, it gives you an amazing feeling.”
Over the course of four decades, Gitte has worked with countless colleagues, and the sense of community has always been important to her. One of the colleagues she has worked closely with for many years is Kristian Hofman-Bang, who is also her manager.
“Some mornings, I hardly feel the need to get up because I know the business is running smoothly. That is largely thanks to talented colleagues like Gitte, who take responsibility and make things happen every single day,” says Kristian Hofman-Bang, Operations Director.
To celebrate her anniversary, Gitte’s colleagues marked the occasion with flowers, gifts and dinner.
When asked what she is most proud of after 40 years at Compass Group, Gitte’s answer is simple:
“That I’ve been here for 40 years. I’m incredibly proud and happy about that.”
Congratulations to Gitte on this fantastic 40-year anniversary!