HIT Scotland has launched a new suite of leadership and executive development programmes aimed at supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders in Scotland.
The programmes are the first of their kind in Scotland, and were developed following research carried out by HIT Scotland in 2024. They will focus on key areas such as strategic leadership, AI, cyber security, finance, marketing, sales growth and operational leadership – all tailored to the current and future needs of the industry.
HIT Scotland Programme Director, Dave Allen, said, “By combining world-class expertise, rich content, and applied learning, the Executive and Leadership Programmes launching in 2026 will tackle some of the sector’s biggest challenges while preparing leaders for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We’re blending global best practice with local and sector-specific insight, showcasing the very best of Scottish hospitality, and delivering immersive, experiential learning opportunities that, ordinarily, money simply can’t buy.”
David Cochrane MBE, CEO of HIT Scotland, said, “The launch of our Executive and Leadership Programmes marks a landmark moment for Scottish hospitality. These aren’t box-ticking exercises – they’re immersive, hands-on learning experiences designed to create real and lasting change. Funded by the industry and shaped by its needs, this is a strategic investment in the people who will lead our sector forward both now and in the future.”
The development of the new programme has been made possible through HIT Scotland’s long-standing partnership with the Crerar Trust, with additional support from several key industry partners across the country.
Tarquin de Burgh, representing The Crerar Trust, added, “The Crerar Trust has long been committed to advancing education and community development. HIT Scotland’s new Executive and Leadership Programmes are a powerful example of how we can enhance individual careers while fostering a culture of excellence that puts Scotland firmly on the global hospitality map. So, to the bold, the ambitious, and the next-gen leaders of Scottish hospitality – this is your moment. Step up and lead forward.”
The new programme sits beside HIT Scotland’s established scholarship scheme, which supports more than 300 people in the industry every year.