UKHospitality CEO promoted to chair in leadership shake-up

UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls is to step up to the new role of chair, with deputy CEO Allen Simpson transitioning to CEO.

The move will enable Nicholls and Simpson to deliver a new strategy for the organisation as it looks to boost growth for members and the wider sector. 

The new structure, which will also see non-executive chairman Steve Cassidy become president, follows a period of strong growth for UKHospitality. 

While the details of the strategy will be announced in the coming months, it will continue to deliver policy change while growing the organisation’s operational capacity in areas such as skills, following the recently launched Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAP) scheme, working with government to train new starters into the sector.

Nicholls, who will be the organisation’s first paid and full-time chair, will build on her work as an advocate and ambassador for the sector, with the promotion reflecting the increased size and scope of UKHospitality. 

The association said the changes will allow Nicholls to devote more time to championing the sector in the political and media landscapes, and deepen government engagement and understanding of the sector and its challenges. 

The day-to-day leadership will pass to Simpson, who brings a wealth of experience across tourism and leisure, and expertise in global investment and economic policy, to the role of CEO. 

The move follows 18 months as deputy CEO, in which time he led on ESG and conceived and delivered the Social Productivity Index to highlight the sector’s worth to people and communities across the UK.

“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.

She added that at the top of her 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”. 

Simpson added: “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.”