Talk with TNS: Meet Aaron Kenny – A Chef Driven by Variety and Excellence

In this edition of Talk with TNS, we’re excited to introduce Aaron Kenny, whose dynamic career spans restaurants, top hotels, the Royal Air Force, and even his own artisan chocolate business. Now a vital part of TNS, Aaron’s journey is a testament to adaptability, strong communication, and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.

A Career Shaped by Diverse Experiences

Aaron’s culinary journey began at the age of 16 with a chef apprenticeship. Over the years, he gained experience across a wide range of venues, including some of the UK’s top 100 hotels and restaurants. A significant turning point came during his time with the Royal Air Force, where he was introduced to the world of contract catering. “My military career not only provided diverse experiences but also introduced me to this sector,” Aaron shares.

Reflecting on his varied background, Aaron notes that every role has contributed something valuable to his skill set. “There’s been important bits of experience gained from each of my previous roles,” he explains. “It’s been crucial in developing the varied skill set required for operations.”

A Day in the Life: Leading by Example

As an Operations Manager at TNS, Aaron’s days are as varied as his career journey. “I get up and on the road to work with the fantastic teams and colleagues within TNS, striving to achieve our shared goal of consistently exceeding client expectations,” he says.

Aaron oversees the daily operations of his patch, a responsibility he finds both challenging and rewarding. “The constant variety makes the role exciting – no two days are ever the same,” he shares. While the nature of the work can be demanding, it’s this unpredictability that keeps Aaron motivated.

He attributes the overall success of TNS to the collective effort of everyone involved. “The success of TNS is a result of the combined efforts of everyone within the company,” Aaron reflects. “My role, along with everyone else’s, helps maintain and deliver our high standard.”

Advice for Aspiring Chefs and Managers

For those looking to enter the industry or take on a role like his, Aaron emphasises the importance of adaptability. “No two days are the same, so be ready to adapt,” he advises. He also highlights strong communication as a key skill for success in the industry, saying, “There are many [essential skills], but strong communication has got to be one of the most important.”

Looking back, Aaron wouldn’t change anything about his career journey. “I wouldn’t alter anything as it’s made me who I am today,” he says. “You can’t rush these things!”

Fun and Personal Insights

When he’s not working, Aaron loves to immerse himself in Italian cuisine, his favourite style of cooking. “Anything Italian,” he says when asked about what he enjoys making most at home. For a TNS event, however, he’d take a completely different approach, dreaming of a menu filled with “lots of sushi and sashimi” to showcase precision and bold flavours.

When time is tight, Aaron turns to chicken stir-fried rice - a quick and satisfying dish he can whip up with ease. His go-to tool in the kitchen is a Microplane, an essential for adding the perfect finishing touches. “I can’t live without it,” he says.

Outside the kitchen, Aaron imagines an entirely different career path: professional go-kart racing. But food remains central to his life, with his favourite food memory taking him back to a small family-run restaurant in Florence, Italy. “It was the best steak I’ve ever had,” he recalls fondly.

Looking Ahead: Celebrating Growth and Nurturing Talent at TNS

Aaron’s career journey highlights how TNS is dedicated to supporting and developing its team members, providing opportunities to maximise their potential and prepare for future challenges. His adaptability, strong communication skills, and passion for variety are a testament to the benefits of fostering a culture where talent can thrive.

At TNS, we believe in nurturing individuals like Aaron, helping them grow both personally and professionally while contributing to our shared success. By investing in our people, we ensure they are equipped to meet challenges head-on and continue delivering excellence in everything they do.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Talk with TNS series, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who make TNS what it is today.