UKHospitality has announced a strategic shift in its senior leadership team. Current CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is set to become Chair of the organisation, while Deputy CEO Allen Simpson will take over the role of CEO. At the same time, current non-executive chairman Steve Cassidy will move into the position of President.
The leadership changes come as UKHospitality prepares to deliver a new strategy aimed at further growth and increased impact for its members and the wider hospitality sector.
Kate Nicholls will be the organisation’s first full-time, salaried Chair. She will continue to act as a leading advocate and ambassador for the sector, focusing on deepening engagement with Government and the media.
“This new chapter reflects the impact, status and ambition of UKHospitality, which continues to be the vital voice for our broad and important sector,” said Nicholls. “We have established strong and effective influence for the country’s fourth largest economic sector and have a seat at the highest table alongside other core business groups on the macro-economic issues of today.
“Together we will work alongside Government on some of the most pressing developmental policies for this country and its key industries. Top of my list is to ensure Government continues to listen to our calls for sector support, following the £3.4bn of costs that hit us in April, root and branch reform of the business rates system, as well as building longer-term momentum for the compelling rationale for creating a dedicated VAT rate for hospitality.
“I look forward to working ever-more closely in partnership with Allen as our team delivers a new and emboldened strategy, and maximum positive change for our sector.”
Allen Simpson, who has served as Deputy CEO for the past 18 months, will now lead UKHospitality’s day-to-day operations as CEO. His background includes work across tourism, leisure, global investment and economic policy. During his time at UKHospitality, he has overseen ESG initiatives and created the Social Productivity Index to highlight the sector’s value to communities.
“I’m excited to step up to CEO and to have the opportunity to build further on the team’s significant body of work for this crucial industry, continuing Kate’s momentum,” said Simpson. “My focus will be to drive growth, services and a platform for success, for – and with – our members. The economic context is shifting fast, and as a sector we need to take greater control of our own destiny.”
Incoming President Steve Cassidy praised the new structure and paid tribute to Nicholls’ leadership through one of the sector’s most challenging periods.
“UKHospitality has grown incredibly over the last few years in terms of membership, influence and impact,” said Cassidy. “Having both a dedicated, full-time Chair and a CEO in place, UKHospitality can become even bigger and better, and go further, faster. Kate has transformed the organisation into a formidable force for the good for the sector, most notably during the worst crisis the industry has ever faced – Covid. Together, Kate and Allen, will continue to champion the industry and drive change for the benefit of our members and the economy of the UK.”
Details of UKHospitality’s new strategic direction will be announced in the coming months, with continued focus on policy influence, operational growth and workforce development, including programmes like the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS), which is helping to train new starters in 26 regions across the UK.