Lisa Jenkins to join the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts as chief executive

The Caterer managing editor Lisa Jenkins is to join the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts as chief executive.

Jenkins takes on the role in April, working with president Brian Turner and chairman John Williams to evolve the role of the academy within the industry.

She will oversee all of the academy's initiatives including its annual apprenticeship programme, annual awards of excellence, Master of Culinary Arts awards and the registered charity Adopt A School.

Jenkins said: "It is a privilege to take up the role of chief executive for the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. It's an honour to have the opportunity to shape the future of the association but also to continue the exemplary work of Sara Jayne Stanes.

"I'm excited about what the academy and its members can share and develop alongside the industry. I want to create a more diverse and inclusive membership and look at how we can work more collaboratively with the hospitality sector on a wider scale.”

Williams, who has been involved with the academy for 35 years, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that Lisa will join the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts as CEO. It’s a great opportunity to evolve the work of the academy, shaping its future whilst developing the next generation of the hospitality industry’s talented professionals.”

Jenkins joins the academy as David Coubrough steps down as chair of the board of governors after a six-year term, while the association's current managing director, Richard Larkin, will leave the association at the end of February to take up a new role. Coubrough will continue as chair of the board of trustees of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School.

Bill Toner, chief executive of CH&Co, will succeed Coubrough as chair of the board of governors and joins the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts board of trustees.

He said: "As a long-standing supporter of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, I'm delighted to take up the mantle of chair of the board of governors.

“I look forward to working closely with Lisa to help shape the association's next chapter. She is a fantastic champion of hospitality, and her knowledge of the industry and its people is second to none. Under her leadership the academy and its work to attract, develop, reward and connect talent will go from strength to strength."