Kate Nicholls appointed as UKHospitality chair

UKHospitality has announced that current CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is to step up to the new role of chair, while current deputy CEO Allen Simpson will transition to CEO. 

At the same time, current non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, will move to become president.

The move will enable Nicholls and Simpson to deliver a “new, bolder strategy for the organisation as it looks to turbocharge further growth and deliver even more for members and the wider sector”. 

Nicholls will be the organisation’s first paid and full-time chair. She will build on her work as an advocate and ambassador for the sector. 

The organisation stated that the move reflected its “increased size and influence”, and Nicholls’ role as a “leading voice” for the sector in policy circles.

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

The day-to-day leadership of UKHospitality will pass to Simpson in his new role as CEO. He brings experience across tourism and leisure and expertise in global investment and economic policy. 

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

The new leadership structure comes after a period of growth for UKHospitality, which was formed in 2018. 

The details of the enhanced strategy will be announced in the coming months. Initiatives such as the recent Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS), developed in partnership with the government, will remain a focus under the new structure. The scheme is designed to train new hospitality workers across 26 regions.

Nicholls 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 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.”

Simpson added: “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.”