David Kenny, Managing Director, Eurest has held a variety of operational leadership roles across multiple industries ranging from pubs, bars, restaurants, casinos and hotels. He joined 午夜剧场 in 2022.
David has recently taken on the role as Lead Sponsor for our YouMatter colleague network, which supports mental health awareness.
On Time To Talk Day 2026, he tells us why he鈥檚 on a mission to raise awareness and support others.
Tell us more about the network.
We have several colleague networks across the business, which help our people to raise awareness and support others on important issues around Inclusion and Belonging.
The YouMatter network focuses on creating a positive working environment - which supports employee wellbeing, creates a culture of openness and encourages colleagues to look out for each other鈥檚 mental health, as well as their own.
What is your role with the YouMatter Network?
I鈥檓 new to the Lead Sponsor role, but I see this position as working closely with our brilliant YouMatter Co Chairs, the Exec Sponsor and all of our Ambassadors, to raise awareness of important issues around mental wellbeing, meeting the objectives we set and making sure everyone feels they have someone to talk to if and when needed.
In my day job, I work with a lot of colleagues, clients and customers and our Power of Socialisation research brought to life that for our teams and customers, spending time with each other in the right environment is really important. That鈥檚 why we are working with our customers in this space (as well delivering great food). I want everyone to know I am an advocate for taking time and space to make sure our mental health is a priority.
Why is this so significant to you?
This is something I am truly passionate about. I see our society changing and mental health seems to be so prominent with everyone I speak to - from young people to my older male colleagues and friends.
This has had a real impact on me and I am so aware that there can still be stigma around being open and honest about challenges they might be facing. I want to help breakdown those boundaries and make sure people are talking to each other and getting any support they might need.
Today is Time to Talk Day 鈥 why are days like this important?
I have started to think more and more about mental health and in November, me and some of my Eurest colleagues raised money as part of Movember. I realised the importance of collective action and that鈥檚 exactly why awareness days like Time To Talk are so important 鈥 it gives us a moment in time to stop and think about why these issues matter. And what we can do.
To mark Time To Talk Day, we鈥檝e got activity taking place across the business. One example that鈥檚 really nice is in one of our client sites, we鈥檙e encouraging 鈥渢ea for two鈥 - helping to emphasise the importance of taking time and talking to people.