As we continue to grow and evolve, it’s with great excitement that we welcome Alex Smith to the ifse team. Joining us as a Marketing Executive in December 2024, Alex brings a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a wealth of experience to our Team.

What’s your new role at ifse? Who will you be working with and what will you be doing?

I’m absolutely thrilled to have joined ifse as a Marketing Executive and I’m really excited to work closely with the amazing team to create and deliver campaigns that truly make an impact, elevate our brand, and engage our audience.

I’m especially excited to work alongside our Commercial Director, Adam Bristow, whose experience and insight will be invaluable as we shape our strategies moving forward.

My focus is on building meaningful connections with our audience, whether through crafting engaging content, developing strong campaigns, or ensuring our message resonates with both our current and future clients. This role is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes ifse stand out, and I’m eager to contribute to the company’s growth, success, and exciting future.

Tell us a bit about your background, qualifications, and recent roles across the catering industry.

My background isn’t entirely in the catering industry, however, I’ve spent six years working in hospitality, including time in kitchens, so I have a good understanding of the practical side of things. I’m excited to bring that experience to my marketing role at ifse.

I’ve also got a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management, which has given me a solid grounding in strategy, organisation, and leadership. Before joining ifse, I worked as a Marketing Executive at Rentokil Initial, where I built my expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and running campaigns. On top of that, I ran a home film development lab for three years, which really helped me sharpen my entrepreneurial side and creativity.

While I’m still learning my trade in the catering sector, I’m really looking forward to applying everything I’ve learned so far and contributing to the success of ifse in this exciting and fast-paced industry.

What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re proud of?

One project I’m really proud of is starting and running How I Roll Film Lab, my very own home film lab. I ran the lab independently for three years while juggling my final year of college, part-time work, and then a full-time job. It was a lot to manage, but it paid off in the end.

What started as a small idea turned into a trusted name in the Dublin photography scene. I built up a community of photographers who shared a love for analogue film, and it became much more than just a business. It was a place where people could connect, share their work, and trust that their film was in good hands.

Managing the lab taught me so much about running a business, building relationships with customers, and the importance of creating a strong community. It’s an experience I’ll always look back on with pride and that continues to shape the way I approach my work today.

How have you found the first few weeks at ifse?

I’m about a month into the role now, and I’ve been loving it so far. I really enjoy the freedom and autonomy I have in this role, it’s been great to take ownership of projects and see them through.

The team at ifse has been amazing, and I’ve felt incredibly welcome from day one. Everyone is so friendly and supportive, which has made settling in very seamless. Honestly, I don’t have any complaints! It’s been a great start, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead

What do you do to unwind outside of work?

I’m currently training for triathlons, which helps me stay active and unwind. I also love to DJ, getting a good mixing session in is a great way to spend quality time with my mates! On top of that, I’m a massive United fan, so I always try to watch their games and keep up to date with the league.