Knighthood for Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes in New Year Honours list

Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list, which celebrated the achievements of a number of hospitality leaders.

Joss Croft, chief executive of tourism body UKinbound, received an OBE alongside Michael Bell, executive director of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association and Justin Byam Shaw, founder of the Felix Project, which distributes food to vulnerable people in London.

Croft said: “The news that I have received an OBE for services to the tourism industry has taken me completely by surprise! Naturally, I am delighted but also humbled to have been nominated for the award, especially as many of the successful campaigns and other initiatives I have been involved with throughout my career are, of course, down to the efforts of so many fantastic and dedicated people.

“Both my team and the board at UKinbound have worked tirelessly to support me over the last two years through the toughest time that the industry has ever known, and I would like to pay tribute to them as they have enabled me to serve our members and the industry that I love, to the best of my abilities."

Catey winner Elaine Clarke, founder of Baa Bar, which has sites in Liverpool and Nottingham, was also awarded an OBE, as was Ralph Findlay, chair of C&C Group.

Clarke said: "I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be awarded with this honour, which not only recognises my achievements as a self-made female business leader but also those within this industry sector which is still struggling to overcome the challenges of the past two years.

“People are the key to my success and longevity - from day one we’ve always strived for Baa Bar to be a place where people want to work, and in doing so, we have a business that is still going strong after 30 years. This robustness is absolute testament to the teams, many of whom have worked with us for many years.”

Clarke won the Manager of the Year Catey in 2000. She left school at 16 and embarked on a career in hospitality, working her way through the ranks to develop a number of successful enterprises.

Chef Vineet Bhatia received an MBE for services to UK cuisine, hospitality and international trade. The international restaurateur has opened several London restaurants during his career including Michelin-starred venues Zaika and Vineet Bhatia London.

Responding to the news on social media Bhatia said: "Honoured to be the first Michelin starred chef of Indian origin to be awarded an MBE. A wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to make the world see things differently about the United Kingdom."

Janine Cryer, founder of marketing company Representation Plus, also received an MBE for services to the tourism and hospitality industry. Celia Sinclair Thornqvist also received an MBE for services to the restoration of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow, while Alice Williams, founder and chief executive of social enterprise Luminary Bakery, received the same award for services to women and charity. The Luminary Bakery provides support for women who have had social and economic disadvantages.