Hilton boss becomes chair of UKHospitality

Steve Cassidy, managing director of Hilton UK & Ireland, will take over the role of chair from Steve Richards, CEO of Parkdean Resorts, this week, with Richards transitioning into the role of president. 

In line with UKHospitality’s policy, the change will take place at the trade body's summer conference and AGM on Wednesday 14 June. The conference also marks constitutionally scheduled changes to the wider membership of the UKHospitality Board.

UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls says: "I’m delighted that Steve has taken on the role of our chair, to which he will bring a wealth of knowledge from decades working in hospitality, tourism and travel.

"There’s never been a more important time to have one voice to government and I know that Steve will continue working across our broad membership for the betterment of the sector, as he did in his role as vice-chair.

"UKHospitality is continuing to build on its success – bringing in new members from across the sector and further extending our work across hospitality, tourism and leisure – and I’m looking forward to working with Steve to develop our offering even further."

Cassidy has been a key member of the UKHospitality board since it was formed, most recently as vice-chair, and has more than 30 years experience in the travel industry. He joined Hilton in 2009 and now heads up the international hotel company’s business in the UK, Ireland and Israel, where it has more than 170 hotels.

He says: "I am incredibly proud to become chair of UKHospitality, an organisation that has supported and championed our industry with such passion and drive, especially through the recent tough years we have endured.

"Our industry is unique in its ability to create economic value, enable social mobility and build communities.  I look forward to working with Kate and the UKHospitality Board to further galvanise our powerful sector and speak with a united voice to Government, helping deliver meaningful change for our members, benefitting the whole of the UK."

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