ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL TRUCKSTOP - Key Persons


Darren Smith - COO

Job Titles:
  • Operations Director
  • Next Team Member
Darren has been with AIT for 19 years and has successfully lead 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 design and build the new facility and the much loved "My Truckparking App", where he won an innovation award. With over 18 years experience and a wealth of knowledge in the capacity of Chef, Head Chef and Catering Manager, Darren is a qualified Chef & in Catering Management, Human Resources, Accounts and many others. Ashford International Truckstop Ashford International Truckstop is Kent's premier Truckstop, Truck Services for the South-East of England, located close to the Eurotunnel and to the Port of Dover.

Encho Dobrev

Job Titles:
  • Cleaning Manager / Health & Safety
  • Next Team Member
  • Previous Team Member

Lindsey Eve

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Ops Manager / Retail
  • Previous Team Member
Lindsey began her career with AIT 12 years ago and has taken on several roles across various departments within the organisation. She has put in much effort throughout and has today progressed to Deputy Operations Manager / Retail 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 our customers and AIT as a whole and ensures that our retail outlet is stocked with "all you need" for our customers on and off the road.

Nang Sourignavong

Job Titles:
  • Manager
  • Next Team Member

Penny Gilbert

Job Titles:
  • Account Manager
  • Next Team Member
  • Previous Team Member
Penny began her journey at AIT at reception and at our restaurant back in 2006. Over the years she has worked in various capacities across the business giving her full knowledge on how the organisation operates and what it takes to meet our customer's 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

Simon Duffield

Job Titles:
  • Catering Manager
  • Head Chef
  • Next Team Member
  • Previous Team Member
Simon has been a part of AIT for over 17 years, goal oriented and passionate about turning out our favourite cuisines. He began his career with us in the capacity of a Sous Chef, progressing into "Head Chef" & "Catering Manager" for over 14 . As a skilled culinary professional, he looks after all aspects of food handling & preparation ensuring only the finest produce is used to turn out the freshest dished on a daily basis. Our restaurant is "5 star awarded" for "hygiene" and is managed by him, Simon is a Qualified Chef Level 2, Management Level 2 & In Health & Hygiene .