Hospitality Apprentice Scotland has appointed Gordon McIntyre MBE as its new Chair of the Board, following the departure of Stephen Gow, General Manager of The Chester Hotel, who has taken up the role of Chair at VisitAberdeenshire.
Gordon takes on the role as the organisation enters a new phase of national development, following the merger of Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland and Hospitality Apprenticeship North East into a single programme.
Gordon brings more than three decades of experience in training, wellbeing and workforce development. He is the founder of the mental health charity Hospitality Health and was formerly Associate Dean at City of Glasgow College. He was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours in January 2024 for services to hospitality and tourism.
“We’re at a pivotal moment for the hospitality sector,” said Gordon. “The future of our industry depends on the talent we attract, nurture and support today. I’m honoured to take on this role and help ensure that Hospitality Apprentice Scotland becomes the gold standard pathway for young people starting out in hospitality.”
As Chair, Gordon will help steer the strategic direction of the programme, with a focus on building a nationally recognised route into hospitality that reflects the values and ambition of the industry.
“The goal is clear,” he said. “To establish hospitality not just as a job, but as a professional, respected and rewarding career path with clear progression, fair pay and world-class training opportunities. In Scotland, hospitality is more than an industry. It’s a cornerstone of our national identity and international reputation. Our people are the face of that reputation, whether in five-star hotels, bustling restaurants or remote country inns. We need to develop leaders who understand not just service, but community, sustainability and innovation.”
Hospitality Apprentice Scotland says Gordon’s appointment marks a commitment to excellence, equity and ambition across the programme. Key priorities include supporting career progression from apprentice to manager and beyond, embedding wellbeing and inclusivity as core values, strengthening employer partnerships across Scotland, and ensuring apprentices are fairly paid and equipped to lead in a modern, sustainable sector.
“I am delighted that Gordon is stepping into the Chair role,” said outgoing Chair Stephen Gow. “He brings a rare blend of leadership, compassion and industry insight, along with a deep-rooted belief that hospitality careers can transform lives and communities.”
The programme is open to young people aged 16 to 24 who are resident in Scotland and hold a National Insurance number.