Chris Wayne-Wills departs as UKHospitality Scotland chair

Chris Wayne-Wills has stepped down as chairman of UKHospitality Scotland after three years in the role.

Announcing his decision on LinkedIn, he wrote: “It’s been an absolute privilege to be able to voluntarily support the industry during this time.

!It’s an honour to represent and put forward the real business cases and issues facing the hospitality industry in meetings including with the King at Buckingham Palace, the prime minister, the chancellor, Scotland’s first minister, deputy first minister and many more ministers, MPs and MSPs at Westminster and Holyrood.”

Leon Thompson remains as the association’s executive director, with Wayne-Wills writing: “There is a solid structure in place and great relationships with the Scottish government and opposition parties as the Scottish parliament election approaches in 2026.

“I’m grateful for the support from the UKHospitality London team during my time as Scotland chair and I wish you all every success in the vital work you do to campaign for, and champion the industry.”

Wayne-Wills became chair of UKHospitality Scotland in June 2022, replacing Calum Ross, owner and proprietor of Loch Melfort hotel in Argyll, who spent 11 years in the role.

It is not yet known who will take over as the association’s Scottish chair. The Caterer has contacted UKHospitality for comment.

During his tenure, Wayne-Wills helped to establish the Scottish advisory group of industry leaders and a new format for UKHospitality’s members forum.

He pointed to the association’s member events going “from strength to strength” and that its work “is more vital than ever”.

Calling for the government to act in the budget to lower business rates, National Insurance Contributions and VAT, he wrote: “The role the hospitality industry plays needs so much more recognition. The country needs jobs. Hospitality creates them. But we are being taxed out.”

Wayne-Wills’ departure from UKHospitality Scotland comes just a week after he exited as CEO of Crerar Hotels. At the time he said: “Now feels like the right moment to embrace new opportunities personally and professionally. I’ll be taking some time with family, reconnecting with friends, and, as ever asking my favourite three-word question: What happens next?”

Wayne-Wills joined the Scottish hotel company in 2020 following a position as cluster general manager, Scotland and the north at Marriott International.

Prior to that, he was regional managing director of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts for 11 years and regional general manager, Scotland and the north, for QHotels.