Institute of Hospitality appoints new head of membership

The Institute of Hospitality, the international professional body for current and aspiring leaders and managers in the industry, has appointed Duvall James as its new head of membership.

James, who will take up his post on 1 June, was previously senior relationship manager at the Institute of Directors in London.

Sheetal Girdhari, who left last week to take up a position with another membership organisation, was formerly head of marketing and membership for the Institute of Hospitality, but James' role will focus on membership.

James' other previous roles include customer account manager at Beneficial Bank (now WSFS), member service manager at Virgin Active, sales and marketing manager at the Bannatyne Group and membership manager at Nuffield Health.

He will have responsibility for developing and managing the institute’s strategies and campaigns to retain and grow its 12,500-strong membership in the UK and globally.

He said: “My aim is to ensure that all members are represented, supported and connected with each other, to build an even stronger engaging community within the UK, Europe and overseas. I am looking forward to collaborating with the team and assisting our members, who are the heartbeat of the Institute.”

Robert Richardson, recently appointed chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “Growing our membership of talented hospitality professionals is a core strategy to ensure that the Institute of Hospitality meets the future needs of the industry and delivers on its commitment to its members.

“I am thrilled to welcome Duvall to the Institute of Hospitality’s executive team and look forward to working alongside him to support the goals of the Institute. Duvall’s broad range of experience will be of huge benefit, allowing us to expand our membership, both in the UK and abroad, and to grow our network.”