New chairman joins UKH Scotland

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels – a privately owned five-star hotel group in Scotland – will take over as UKHospitality (UKH) Scotland chairman from Calum Ross, owner and proprietor of Loch Melfort Hotel in Argyll. 

Elected by the UKH Scotland committee, Wayne-Wills will join as chairman at a crucial time, with the sector grappling the fallout of Covid-19, unprecedented financial pressures and workforce shortages. 

On his appointment, Wayne-Wills comments: "I am delighted to have been elected chairman of UKH Scotland and look forward to playing my part in supporting [hospitality's] move towards recovery. Our businesses are bearing the brunt of the current economic challenges, but collectively we are resilient, innovative and determined to succeed."

Welcoming the new chairman, Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKH, says: "It is wonderful to see someone of Chris's pedigree and calibre elected chairman in Scotland.

"With Chris now at the helm, we move to securing the recovery for hospitality. Scotland’s sector is crucial to the UK’s hospitality and tourism offer and I am certain that Chris, working with our executive director for Scotland, Leon Thompson, will deliver the results our businesses need in order to recover and thrive."

Wayne-Wills has over 25 years' experience in senior management positions in the hotel and tourism industry. His career started as a sales manager before quickly becoming a general manager. His varied experience has included large city centre hotels, resorts with golf and spa businesses and various multi-property leadership roles.

His experience in Scotland includes general manager of the Roxburghe Hotel in Edinburgh and regional managing director for Scotland for Macdonald Hotels. He was also chief executive of the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and oversaw a successful and extensive investment and repositioning project.

You may also be interested in…