UKHospitality has announced that Steve Cassidy, managing director at Hilton UK & Ireland will take over as chair this week.
Current chair Steve Richards, CEO of Parkdean Resorts, and former CEO of Casual Dining Group (now Big Table Group), will move across to the role of president, succeeding Nick Varney, former CEO at Merlin Entertainment.
In addition, there are number of new members joining the board, including David McDowall, CEO, Stonegate Group; Simon Emeny, CEO, Fullers; Steve Holmes, CEO, Azzurri Group; and Rob Pitcher, CEO, Revolution Bars Group.
Those leaving the board after terms include Peter Marks, executive chairman, Rekom UK, and Paul Wigham, CEO, All Our Bars.
The role changes will become effective from the date of UKHospitality’s summer conference and AGM today (14 June).
Cassidy has been a member of the UKHospitality board since it was formed, most recently as vice-chair. 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.
Kate Nicholls, CEO, UKHospitality, said: “I’m delighted that Steve has taken on the role of our chair, to which he will bring a wealth of knowledge from decades working in hospitality, tourism and travel.
“There’s never been a more important time to have one voice to government and 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.
Cassidy added: “Our industry is unique in its ability to create economic value, enable social mobility and build communities. I look forward to working with Kate and the UKHospitality Board to further galvanise our powerful sector and speak with a united voice to government, helping deliver meaningful change for our members, benefitting the whole of the UK.”
