1. Christopher Andrew Gray Page 1 of 2
Christopher Andrew Gray-Grana Priego
123 Browning Avenue, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 4PG
Home: 02392 387165 Mobile: 07921 564055
chrisgraygranapriego@aol.co.uk
PROFILE:
A highly accomplished and passionate chef providing a professional service to members of a
government sector, including coordinating and decision making. Excellent skills in managing budgets
and an enthusiastic trainer. Consistently proactive, with good time management and delegation
skills. Strives to ensure that both client and customer needs are addressed, actioned and successfully
executed.
KEY SKILLS:
 Proactive decision maker with an organised approach
 Supervisory and leadership experience at middle management level
 Experienced workplace trainer and mentor
 Coordination and planning of large projects and events
 Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
CAREER HISTORY:
Leading Chef - Royal Navy Sep 01 - Current
Galley manager responsible for leading a team of chefs in the day to day running of medium to large
kitchens on Royal Navy ships and Senior Officer residences, in the UK and abroad.
 Managed the receipt and storing of large deliveries
 Planned menus according to time; special diets; functions and ingredients
 Negotiated with suppliers UK and abroad and sourced necessary stores
 Trained and mentored new and intermediate chefs in improving overall catering services and
personal skills
 Managed a team of 15 staff on global deployment onboard HMS Daring, providing a high
level of service to foreign dignitaries around the globe
 Completed a 6 month tour of Afghanistan, supporting the Royal Marines as kitchen manager
for the Battle Group at ‘Camp Bastion’
Chef – Galley Team member - Royal Navy Feb 92 – Aug 01
Galley team member working within a team of chefs on Royal Navy ships
 Served as ‘Watch Leader’ running a section of junior chefs
 Member of Ship’s first aid team (Level 2)
 Assisted Galley Manager in day to day tasks
 Completed all training and tasks assigned by Galley Manager
 Took part in catering for formal dinners
CAREER SUMMARY
Having always taken in interest in food, before joining the Royal Navy I worked as a baker, in both a
privately owned and a supermarket bakery. In 1992, I decided to join the Royal Navy where I enlisted
as a chef. After an 18 month trade training period at RNAS Yeovilton, I then served in various ships
including HMS Fearless and HMS Glasgow. Over the years working in various ships galleys, I found my
real passion in the fine dining element.

2. Christopher Andrew Gray Page 2 of 2
(CAREER SUMMARY continued)
Over the years and after serving on several more ships, I became the personal chef to the head of
British troops on Diego Garcia, cooking for high ranking foreign officers from the US Navy and other
Navy’s from around the world, earning recognition from my commanding officer.
During my time onboard HMS Ark Royal where I served as the Captains personal chef, I was
honoured to be chosen to prepare and execute a celebration lunch for HM the Queen. Two years
later I was also chosen to provide the lunch for the 90th
Birthday of HRH Prince Phillip, held at
Admiralty House in Whitehall for the ceremony of the giving of The Lord High Admiral, a present
from the Queen to Prince Phillip for his birthday.
My other culinary achievements include representing the Royal Navy at the tri service culinary arts
competition, held at Sandown race course. Here I won a bronze and silver medal for my efforts. I also
applied to take part in the BBCs ‘Masterchef - The Professionals’, where I gained a respectable
quarter final placing.
During all this time working as a chef, cooking still remains my main interest. I still enjoy cooking,
researching foods, produce, preparation and cooking techniques and still take massive pride when I
see anyone eat my creations. I cook for my wife most days and take any opportunity to lend my skills
and passion to any event – big or small. I am very much looking forward to lending my experience
and skills to a new adventure and grow even more in my chosen career.
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS
 Second Sea Lord (Sir David Steel RN)
 HMS Richmond
 HMS Daring
 Commander UK Maritime Forces (Adm Duncan Potts RN)
 First Sea Lord (Sir Mark Stanhope RN)
 HMS Ark Royal (Captain’s Staff)
 British Indian Ocean Territory
 Afghanistan (Op Herrick 5)
 HMS Manchester
 Commander Helicopter Force (Serving in Norway and Sierra Leone)
 HMS Glasgow
 RNAS Yeovilton
 HMS Raleigh (Basic Training)
TRAINING AND CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 City and Guilds 706 1 and 2
 NVQ Level 3 Hotel and Catering
 Food Hygiene Intermediate
 First Aid Level 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 Full Clean Driving License
 Valid Passport
 Own Transport