This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Hilton boss becomes chair of UKHospitality
Steve Cassidy, managing director for Hilton UK & Ireland, will take over as the chair of UKHospitality this week as Steve Richards, CEO of Parkdean Resorts, moves to the role of president.
The change will take place today at the UKHospitality summer conference and AGM, in line with company policy. The conference also marks constitutionally scheduled changes to the wider membership of the UKHospitality Board.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said there had never been a more important time to have one voice to Government.
Cassidy will move up from his role as vice-chair to take on the new position.
“I know that Steve will continue working across our broad membership for the betterment of the sector, as he did in his role as vice-chair,” Nicholls said. “UKHospitality is continuing to build on its success – bringing in new members from across the sector and further extending our work across hospitality, tourism and leisure – and I’m looking forward to working with Steve to develop our offering even further.”
Cassidy brings to the role more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry. The Hilton MD has been a key member of the UKHospitality board since it was formed in 2018. He joined Hilton in 2009 and now heads up the international hotel company’s business in the UK, Ireland and Israel where it has more than 170 hotels.
Cassidy will take over from former chair Steve Richards, who will remain on the board and succeed Nick Varney as president of UKHospitality.
There have also been a number of changes to the Board’s membership. Joining the Board are:
Fiona Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer, Midway and Resort Theme Parks at Merlin Entertainment
Simon Emeny, Chief Executive, Fullers
Steve Holmes, CEO, Azzurri Group
Dave McDowall, CEO, Stonegate Group
Rob Pitcher, CEO, Revolution Bars Group
Martin Robinson, Non-Exec Director, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts and Travelodge
Catherine Roe, Chief Executive, Elior
Leaving the Board after full terms are Wendy Bartlett, Executive Chairman, BM Caterers; Peter Marks, Executive Chairman, REKOM UK; Calum Ross, Proprietor, Loch Melfort Hotel and Restaurant; Nick Varney, former CEO, Merlin Entertainment; Paul Wigham, CEO, All Our Bars.