UKHospitality reshuffles senior leadership team
Kate Nicholls OBE has been promoted from her role as chief executive at UKHospitality to chair of the organisation, as it aims to ‘turbocharge’ further growth.
Nicholls will now serve as UKHospitality’s new chair, with Allen Simpson transitioning into the chief executive officer (CEO) role.
The restructuring is said to allow for both Nicholls and Simpson to develop a new, bolder strategy for the organisation as it looks to ‘turbocharge’ further growth and deliver more for its members and the wider sector.
Nicholls will be the organisation’s first paid and full-time chair, and she will build on her work as hospitality’s leading advocate and ambassador in the UK.
Nicholls, who was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her service to the nation’s hospitality sector during the Covid-19 period, said: “This new chapter reflects the impact, status and ambition of UKHospitality, which continues to be the vital voice for our broad and important sector. 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 the government on some of the most pressing developmental policies for this country and its key industries. Top of my list is to ensure the government continues to listen to our calls for sector support, following the £3.4bn (US$4.4bn) 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.”
Meanwhile Simpson joined UKHospitality as deputy CEO 18 months ago from his previous post as executive director at London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s tourism, inward investment, and city marketing agency. He will transition into the CEO position, taking over the day-to-day leadership of UKHospitality from Nicholls.
Of the promotion, he said: “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.
“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.”
‘UKHospitality can become even bigger and better’
UKHospitality was formed in April 2018 and in the period since, has grown to be the leading trade body for the UK’s hospitality sector.
The organisation cited an ‘extraordinary period of growth’ since its formation and the leadership reshuffle will hope to build on its past achievements while driving the sector forward.
Details of the strategy will be announced in the coming months.
Additionally, Steve Cassidy will become the organisation’s president.
He added: “UKHospitality has grown incredibly over the last few years in terms of membership, influence and impact. 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.”
In other recent UK hospitality news, it was revealed that a third of businesses in the sector are operating at a loss, following April’s National Insurance and minimum wage increases.
Rising tax and business rate costs in the UK could also mean more than 70% of hospitality businesses might have to reduce or cut members of their workforce.
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