The Team
We have a highly experienced and professional recruitment team with a genuine passion for the hospitality industry
and a diverse network of established client relationships across all sectors of the market.
We pride ourselves on offering both clients and candidates a dedicated recruitment service with a personal touch.
Matthew Collins, Director
Matthew entered the recruitment industry as a Chef Consultant with Reed Hospitality Recruitment in the early
1990's training as a Chef in the process. After spending four years at Reed Matthew joined specialist
Headhunters Farlow & Warren Search & Selection to set up a dedicated Chef recruitment Division where he
spent almost four years before teaming up with former Reed Colleague Gary King in July 1999.
Gary King, Director
After successfully completing a two year Hotel Management and advanced Chef training course Gary spent three
years working as a Chef in the capital before entering the recruitment industry as a Consultant with Blue Arrow
Hospitality Recruitment where he spent three years.
Gary then spent a year with a Hong Kong based Search & Selection Consultancy before joining Reed Hospitality
recruitment where he spent nine years before setting up Collins King & Associates with former Reed colleague
Matthew Collins in July 1999.
Martyn Smith, Associate Director
Martyn trained as an apprentice Chef with Hilton Hotels before joining Sodexho UK and spending four years at three
of their London units. He then moved to Charters Catering as a Directors Chef in a high profile City based Merchant
Bank where he spent almost three years.
Martyn entered the Recruitment industry with Berkeley Scott Chefs Division where he then spent three years before
joining Collins King & Associates in August 2001. He is primarily responsible for all levels of chef recruitment
Martyn was promoted to the position of Associate Director in July 2006.
Claire Monjack, Consultant – Culinary and Management Appointments
After completing a professional Chefs diploma Claire began her career in the hospitality industry as a Chef working her way up to
Head Directors Chef in the Contract Catering market within a prestigious City based Merchant Banks.
Claire progressed into Management before entering the Recruitment industry in 2002. She then spent the next five years heading up the
permanent Chefs division for a leading independent hospitality recruitment company before joining Collins King & Associates in March 2007.
Shaun Highfield, Consultant - Chefs Division
Shaun entered the Hospitality Recruitment industry following a successful Management career with one of the UK's
leading themed Restaurant Groups. Prior to joining Collins King & Associates in February 2004, Shaun worked for two
of London's leading Hospitality Recruitment companies recruiting a range of Culinary and Management Personnel.
Shaun specialises in the recruitment of Chefs for the Contract Catering sector & Private Members Clubs.
Richard Foster Thorn, Consultant - Restaurant, Bar & Club Division
Richard Foster Thorn joins Collins King & Associates with a wealth of experience gained in leading London Hotels
and award winning Restaurants. After completing a two year Management training apprenticeship at the 5* Goring
hotel Richard moved onto to Che Restaurant in St. James in a Supervisory capacity before joining Gordon Ramsay
Restaurants at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair as Restaurant Supervisor, then moving to The Boxwood Café at the
Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge as Maitre D'. Following the Boxwood Café Richard undertook a number of Restaurant &
Hotel consultancy assignments before joining Collins King & Associates in September 2005.
Sam Bishop, Consultant - International Appointments
Sam started her international career with Millennium & Copthorne Hotels in London where she quickly moved up the ranks within Rooms Division.
Sam then joined Hilton International working in both The Netherlands and Australia before moving to Dubai where she joined the Hospitality Company
focusing on sourcing candidates for opportunities in Dubai and other international locations. Sam joined Collins King & Associates in May 2007 after returning to the UK and is
responsible for International appointments.
Marina O'Neill, Divisional Manager - Reception, Secretarial Human Resources & Administrative Personnel
Following a successful Managerial career with Lloyds Bank PLC Marina entered the recruitment industry
spending two years as a Manager with Reed Personnel Services before joining Knightsbridge Secretaries as
an Associate Director. Marina joined Collins King & Associates in April 2002 and is responsible for
recruiting Reception, Secretarial, Human Resources & Administrative Personnel.
Oliver Smith, Consultant - Branded Restaurants & Retail Catering Management
Oliver commenced his hospitality career with one of the UK's leading themed restaurant & bar operators where he
spent three years. During this time he was involved in numerous opening projects and also participated in cocktail
and flair bartending competitions. Oliver then spent 15 months in Australia working in style bars and restaurants
before returning to the UK and moving into branded and themed restaurant recruitment. Oliver joined Collins King
& Associates in August 2008 to set up a new division specialising in the recruitment of branded & retail
catering management personnel.
Nicola Casbolt, Administrative Support
Nicola joined Collins King & Associates in October 2004 after completing her education. Nicola's primary responsibility is
providing direct operational and administrative support to the London and Melbourne recruitment teams, managing and updating the
company website and host websites and regular project management.