Acorn winner Jenni Clarke named commercial director at Umbrella Training

Hospitality apprenticeship provider Umbrella Training has appointed Acorn Award winner Jenni Clarke to the role of commercial director.

Clarke previously held the role of head of curriculum and learning technologies. She has been with the company since June 2022, working within its commercial arm and leading the development of its programme offering and curriculum.

As commercial director, Clarke will be heading up the promotion and expansion of the company’s commercial and apprenticeship training activity.

She will also continue to manage the implementation of immersive learning environments into Umbrella's apprenticeship and commercial curriculum.

Umbrella chief executive and founder Adele Oxberry said: “Jenni may have only been with us for a year, but during that time she has continually demonstrated her commitment to people, learning and development.

“We felt an expanded role would enable her to achieve even more success and develop her own skills and we’re delighted to be promoting Jenni to see what new ideas and initiatives she can bring to the commercial director role.”

Clarke said: “Adele and I have always shared an incredibly dedicated passion for the industry and to be able to now be in the position to help expand Umbrella’s training offering in line with our business partners and industry, really is an honour."

Clarke started her hospitality career during a school work experience placement with the Holybourne Hotels group. She has also worked at Farnham House hotel in Surrey, Radisson Edwardian Guildford, and London’s Bankside Hotel.

She was awarded one of The Caterer's Acorn Awards, recognising 30 hospitality rising stars under the age of 30, in 2021. Her team was also shortlisted for HR Team of the Year at the 2019 Hotel Cateys.