UKH said the senior staff shake-up is being made in response to “significant growth” and will “pave the way for [an] enhanced strategy that will enable it to go further, faster”.
While CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is to step up to the new role of chair and current deputy CEO Allen Simpson will transition to CEO, current non-executive chairman Steve Cassidy will become president.
UKH said 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”.
The business said the new structure follows an extraordinary period of growth since the organisation was formed and added during which time the UKH became “widely recognised as the go-to voice for the broad hospitality sector by Government and the media alike”.
The move will help UKH build on those achievements and grow its operational capacity in areas such as skills – as demonstrated by the recent launch of the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS) scheme, where it worked with the Government to train new starters in the sector in 26 regions.
First paid and full-time chair
Nicholls will be the organisation’s first paid and full-time chair. She will build on her work as a leading advocate and ambassador for the sector.
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.
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 Government on some of the most pressing developmental policies for this country and its key industries.
Listen to our calls
“Top of my 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.”
The day-to-day leadership of UKHospitality will pass to Allen Simpson in his new role as CEO, who brings a wealth of 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.
Simpson said: “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.”
UKH president Steve Cassidy added: “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.”
