Zero Carbon Forum welcomes panel of hospitality advisers

The Zero Carbon Forum, a non-profit organisation guiding the hospitality industry to net zero, has appointed a line-up of hospitality, sustainability and communications leaders to its new advisory board.

The board will act as an expert voice in support of the forum’s mission to define and implement a roadmap to net zero.

Each individual brings insight from their respective fields, which combined will help set the strategic path and priorities for the forum during a critical year, with the COP26 climate change summit being held in Glasgow in November.

Advisory board members include:

• Andy Hornby, chief executive, the Restaurant Group
• Andy Wood, chief executive, Adnams
• Clara Eisenberg, Head of Legal, the Dune Group
• Colin Hill, chief executive, Nando’s
• Emma McClarkin, chief executive, British Beer & Pub Association
• Jens Hofma, chief executive, Pizza Hut Restaurants
• Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality
• Mark McGinn, EMEA director, brand and social purpose, Edelman
• Mark Rider, chief financial officer, Shepherd Neame
• Mike Barry, strategic adviser, Sustainable Business
• Mike Berners-Lee, director, Small World Consulting
• Rob Pitcher, chief executive, Revolution Bars
• Tim Doubleday, chief financial officer, Burger King

The forum has also welcomed environmental crisis expert Mike Berners-Lee, who said: “Food is responsible for approximately a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and also about a quarter of the average UK person’s greenhouse gas footprint. A sizeable chunk of this comes through the hospitality industry.

"I look forward to advising members on how best to assess their impact on the climate when it comes to product purchasing and consumption, as well as engaging with consumers to drive understanding around the impact of their menu choices.”

Joining him is Mike Barry, former director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer, who brings extensive experience across global food and drinks markets and UK retail.

Forum founder and chief executive Mark Chapman, said: “Our advisory board is integral to the success of the forum and will utilise individuals’ specialist insight as we set a path to net zero. To welcome such a ‘dream team’ of high-calibre experts sets the forum to a strong start. It’s thrilling to have the opportunity to tap into their knowledge and experience, and a tremendous testament to the work we’re doing that they’re willing to commit their time and energy in supporting us.”

Photo: Olivier Le Moal/shutterstock.com