Adam Byatt named chair of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts

Adam Byatt, chef patron of the Michelin-starred Trinity restaurant in London’s Clapham, has been named chair of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA).

 

Byatt, who is also culinary director of Brown’s hotel in London’s Mayfair, takes over from John Williams, executive chef of the Ritz, who is stepping up to the role of president after 20 years as chair.

 

Williams replaces Brian Turner, who has been named honorary president of RACA. Turner was chair of RACA from 1993-2004, and president from 2004.

 

Meanwhile, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, the Michelin-starred chef of Northcote hotel in Lancashire and the Stafford in London, has been appointed co-deputy chair (North).

 

Chef Gary Jones, previous head chef of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, will take on the role of co-deputy chair (South).  

 

Mark Flanagan, royal chef and assistant to the master, Master of the Household’s Department, in the Royal Household, has been named chair of sustainability.

 

Byatt said: “The Academy is a highly prestigious institution which helps, educates, and inspires young professionals in the hospitality profession.

 

"I was once one of those young chefs and was given an opportunity which changed the trajectory of my life.

 

"I was inspired by the Academy and mentored and guided by those who have helped to run this organisation. Now I have a fundamental part to play, and it feels as if a circle of my career has been completed.

 

“I am indebted to all of those who have placed their trust in me. I would like to thank Brian Turner, our new honorary president. I am also hugely grateful to John Williams, who has steered this mighty ship for two decades and has been instrumental in shaping who we are today. I am proud to say that he also shaped my career – John and I met many years ago, when I trained with him at Claridge’s.”

 

Lisa Jenkins, chief executive of the RACA, added: “Adam is passionate about education and mentorship and that is RACA’s core purpose.

 

"His appointment coincides with our funding grant from the Savoy Educational Trust and Neil Rippington, our RACA College Community Programme Director, and I will work closely with Adam on all areas of education.”

 

The Academy of Culinary Arts received its Royal Patronage in 2013 and supports young people, colleges and educational institutions through industry-led mentorship and training programmes.