Robert Richardson named Institute of Hospitality chief executive

The Institute of Hospitality has named Robert Richardson as its new chief executive, taking over from Peter Ducker in mid-April.

Previously general manager of the Cave hotel in Kent and the Grand in Folkstone, where he spent 10 years, Richardson has supported the Institute of Hospitality as a member of its supervisory board and latterly as vice-chairman.

He will work with chair Kellie Rixon as the organisation adapts to the post pandemic world and aims for chartered status.

Rixon said: “We could not be more thrilled to welcome Robert as our new CEO. We know he brings with him not only a wealth of hospitality industry experience and connections, but the respect of his peers in education and the wider community where he has dedicated so much of his time to raising the standards and stature of our amazing profession.

“The [Institute of Hospitality] will draw on his huge passion, focus and drive to further excel as the industry’s recognised professional body.”

Richardson added: “As hospitality returns to the forefront of our economy and our daily lives after a year of unprecedented disruption and challenge, there has never been a more important time for our industry to cultivate strong leadership and management skills.

"We also need to attract and inspire future generations of talent, and I believe the [Institute of Hospitality] is perfectly placed to help support this. It is a huge honour to step up and lead our institute moving forward into a brave new post-lockdown world.”