Robin Sheppard appointed chairman of the Institute of Hospitality

Bespoke Hotels chairman and co-founder Robin Sheppard has today been appointed chairman of the Institute of Hospitality.

Co-founder of one of the largest independent hotel groups in the UK, Sheppard has been an active member of the organisation for the previous 35 years. He takes on the rotating role from Stephen Kyjak-Lane, who has now retired.

Having recently entered its 80th year, the Institute offers professional development opportunities to its members, and promotes standards across the industry through awards, training programmes and qualifications. The Institute encompasses more than 100 countries around the world.

Sheppard said: "It is a great honour and extremely humbling experience to have been nominated by the Institute. It is so valuable for managers across the hotel sector to be able to inspire one another, share expertise and knowledge, as well as to meet and socialise. The Institute of Hospitality has always been a tremendous vehicle for this, and I hope to provide many more opportunities for members to learn from one another in future."

Peter Ducker, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, added: "We are delighted to welcome Robin to the fold. He has long been a vocal and active member of the organisation, and we have no doubt will take the Institute and its members to new heights in the coming years, not least with regards to his passion for accessible tourism and inclusive hotel design."

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