Ulrike (Riki) Lilley

I am Ulrike, best known as Riki. My love for food started at the age of 18 when I worked as an au pair in the Netherlands. Working for a couple of keen cooks, their love for great food and wine ignited the interest which inspired me to pursue this field professionally. 

I studied at a Hotel School in Cape Town. Born and bred in the winelands of South Africa, I naturally started my first job in Franschhoek. I was part of a guesthouse team who met the most amazing people from all over the world. 

Franschhoek is famous for its tourism and guests flood in every year. Inspired to progress in this field I moved to London where I worked as a chef at first, in the hotel scene. I joined a local agency for some extra income, and it was the best move I could have made. I worked across London, loving every moment of this life. It was here that I met Rosina for the first time. 

I eventually became a chef recruiter in the perms team, and the rest is history. I’ve worked in various positions within recruitment, from consultant in events to management of a temp branch most recently. I have always enjoyed working with people, building relationships, and delivering a service beyond expectation. I am always on the lookout for new opportunities and am very excited to join the OTW team.