HOSPA appoints Chris Cowls as new chairman
Cowls co-founded 2050, a network for UK foodservice leaders, and was appointed Visiting Professor in Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Surrey in 2015
The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) has announced the appointment of Chris Cowls MBE as its new chairman.
Cowls has been a member of the HOSPA Board since 2020 and will take over the role from Bob Silk, who has served in the position since 2022.
He began his career in international hospitality management with brands such as Compass, Burger King, Forte and UB. He then went on to establish his own restaurant business, Sunnyside Up, before co-founding Eproductive Ltd with his brother Nick in 2000.
Cowls co-founded 2050, a network for UK foodservice leaders, and was appointed Visiting Professor in Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Surrey in 2015. Recognised for his services to the Church and to charity, he was awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List.
Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Chris as our new chairman. His deep industry knowledge and entrepreneurial vision, paired with his commitment to developing hospitality people and technology make him the ideal person to guide HOSPA into its next chapter.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Bob Silk for his outstanding leadership and support over the past three years, he has been instrumental in strengthening HOSPA’s position across the sector.”
Cowls added: “It’s an honour to become chairman of HOSPA. I’ve always believed that the hospitality sector is one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries to be part of – and I’m excited to help shape the future of the profession at a time of significant transformation. HOSPA plays a vital role in equipping our current and future leaders with the knowledge, tools and community they need to thrive.”
