Martin Traynor named chair of the Institute of Hospitality

Martin Traynor has been appointed chair of the Institute of Hospitality, taking over from Kellie Rixon.

He joined the board as a trustee earlier this year, having worked extensively with local, regional and central government over the course of his career, which earned him an OBE in 2007 for his “services to business and the community of the East Midlands”.

Traynor was elected to president of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce in 1999 and later became group chief executive of the Leicestershire Chamber.

In 2014, he left the Chamber to establish his own consultancy business and took on a number of non-executive roles at places such as the King Richard III Visitor Centre Trust and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Commenting on his appointment, Traynor said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on this important role of chair of the Board of Trustees and to support Robert and the IoH team build on the many successes they’ve achieved over the last four years.

“One such priority will be the Institute’s application for Chartered Status. And as chair, I am looking forward to working closely with the team to help make this goal a reality and help to shape the future direction of the professional body for the global hospitality industry.”

Robert Richardson, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, added: “I am delighted Martin has accepted the role of chair. His experience and reputation will assist us greatly as we continue to pursue our ambition to achieve Chartered Status.”

“I would like to thank our out-going board members who have finished their tenure; Kellie Rixon MBE FIH, our outgoing chair, Wendy Sutherland FIH and Paul Gilley FIH. On behalf of myself, the IoH team and our members, thank you for your unrivalled dedication and service over the last five and six years, respectively.”