HIT Scotland has appointed Dave Allen as Programme Director to lead its new Executive & Leadership Development Programmes, created to strengthen leadership across the country’s hospitality sector.
The national industry charity confirmed Dave will head up the design and delivery of a new suite of development programmes aimed at supporting senior leaders and future executives.
He brings more than 30 years of leadership and board-level experience and joins from The Open University in Scotland, where he was Senior Partnerships Manager and interim Depute Director, delivering cross-sector projects and expanding strategic partnerships. His background also includes roles at People 1st International, Skills Development Scotland, The Larder Cook School, and operational experience with Marriott Hotels, Whitbread, Aramark and Elior.
The initiative, made possible by the Crerar Trust and industry contributions, will focus on leadership, business growth, finance, innovation and emerging trends such as AI. Applications are expected to open later this autumn.
Dave Allen said, “I am very excited to be joining HIT Scotland to champion this pioneering initiative. Combining world-class expertise, bespoke rich programme content and practical, applied learning, the suite of executive and leadership programmes we will be developing for the sector will cultivate a new generation of hospitality professionals.
“The aim is to equip senior leaders with the skills to meet the demands of modern executive leadership, to anticipate future challenges and to uplift the industry as it continues to evolve.”
HIT Scotland CEO David Cochrane MBE added, “Our Executive & Leadership Development Programmes promise to be truly transformational for Scotland’s hospitality sector, empowering those in leadership positions to advance in their careers, and in doing so, uplift the entire industry.
“With his vast experience, strategic mindset, and shared values, I am delighted to welcome Dave on board to drive forward these visionary new programmes for Scotland’s hospitality leaders.”
The new programmes will complement HIT Scotland’s existing scholarship scheme, which supports over 300 professionals annually.
More details will be available soon on the HIT Scotland website.