Meet the Team – Ashford International Truckstop

Darren Smith

Operations Director

Darren has been with AIT for 19 years and has successfully led the team and managed Ashford International Truckstop for 14.

His proudest achievements are winning multiple & consecutive awards for “Truckstop Of The Year” and “Best Facilities” since 2016, involvement in the design and build of the new facility, and the much-loved “MyTruckParking” app, where he won an innovative award.

With over 18 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in the capacities of Chef, Head Chef and Catering Manager. Darren is a qualified Chef & in Catering Management, Human Resources, Accounts and many others.

Passionate about food, Darren employs the best Chefs, providing our customers with exceptional quality cuisine.

Today, Darren manages the operations of the facility by directing and coordinating activities consistent with established goals. He implements programs to ensure the attainment of the business plan for growth and profit. Provides structure and direction for staff, develops policy and strategic business plans and manages the overall day-to-day operations of the facility, including human resources policy implementation, management procedures and protocol.

Lindsey Eve

General Manager

Lindsey began her career with AIT more than 15 years ago and has taken on several roles across departments within the organisation. Within this time, she has shown dedication in all aspects of the business and with her extensive in-house knowledge, has progressed from a Deputy Operations manager to General Manager.

Lindsey is proud of her achievements within the team; she brings with her skills in various capacities previously, across Construction Management, Administration, Mental Health First Aider, Emergency First Aider, Fire Warden, “Personal License” holder, and is IOSH trained.

She is extremely passionate about her role, staff welfare and the customer experience we offer here at AIT. She is also forward-focused in ensuring the on-site retail outlet and bar caters to customer needs.

Nang Sourignavong

Head Of Compliance, Health & Safety, Cleaning Team

Nang began her Journey at AIT in the year 2001 as a Supervisor at the Forecourt, progressing to the Forecourt Manager in the year 2004.

In 2009, Nang took on the additional responsibility of Health & Safety. She follows her passion to ensure that all our customers and staff are kept safe around the clock.

In 2016, Nang became our Cleaning Manager / Health & Safety Manager and holds certification in Management levels 3, 4 & 5, in addition, she holds a NEBOSH qualification in Health & Safety

Penny Carpenter

Account Manager

Penny began her journey at AIT at the reception and at our restaurant back in 2006. Over the years, she has worked in various capacities across the business, giving her full knowledge of how the organisation operates and what it takes to meet our customers’ needs.

She manages overall accounting for AIT, leads the department in documentation of financial records, account invoicing, client records, supporting key customers, month-end reports and optimising customer processes

Penny holds a Level 2 NVQ in Business Administration and a Level 3 AAT Advanced Accounting qualification, which greatly benefits her in her current capacity as an Account Manager.

Encho Dobrev

Security & Check-in Manager

Encho began his journey as a General Assistant at AIT in the year 2006, he has since succesfully progressed to a Duty Supervisor in 2011 , the Forecourt Manager in 2015 and on to our Security & Check-In Manager in 2017 till date.

Together with the team he manages the check-in and out of trucks, monitors CCTV throughout the facility maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff , drivers, their cargo and company assets in a 24/7, 365 day operation The team establishes and enforces security policies & procedures and ensures they are met with. They implement & maintain security standards and processes across the organisation ensuring risks are minimised.

Encho has successfully completed an NVQ Levels 2& 3 in Business, is a First Aider, Fire Warden & a SIA Security.

Richard Elgar

Head Chef

Richard possesses a profound passion for food, which informs his innovative and fresh perspective in the kitchen. He firmly believes that cuisine should be both delectable and responsible, dedicating himself to utilising the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in every dish. His expertise encompasses the development of successful new recipes that merge culinary traditions from around the globe, enhance kitchen efficiency and promote strong team dynamics, all while challenging the limits of culinary creativity.