New tourism boss eyed cautiously

By Gillian Drummond

The hospitality industry has expressed mixed feelings over the appointment of a former Sainsbury's executive to the post of chairman of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and English Tourist Board (ETB).

David Quarmby, formerly joint managing director of Sainsbury's, took up the role last week after much speculation as to who would replace Adele Biss in the job. Ms Biss's three-year contract came to an end at the end of May following the surprise decision by National Heritage Secretary Virginia Bottomley not to reappoint her for a second term.

Michael Gottlieb, chairman of the Restaurateurs Association of Great Britain, described the appointment as "odd". He said: "I want to know what this man knows about tourism. Ms Biss knew a lot about it, having worked in the industry for many years. However talented he is, what was Virginia Bottomley thinking?"

But Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, welcomed the appointment. "We are pleased to see someone with good management experience in the job," he said.

And Ken Robinson, chairman of the Tourism Society - who was on the recruitment panel - said: "He'll be good for waving the flag abroad. He was a strong candidate."

Mr Quarmby in the past held top posts with London Transport, latterly as managing director of buses. He joined Sainsbury's in 1984 and resigned in April this year after a management reshuffle.

Mr Quarmby admitted to Caterer: "I'm new to the industry in a professional sense, and I've got a lot to learn about the hospitality industry."

However, he said he brought with him a good management background and an interest in tourism. "I spent 25 years in transport and retailing, which are significant sectors for visitors - a third of visitor spend goes on retailing and transport."

Mrs Bottomley told Caterer there had been fierce competition for the post and she had wanted someone who could work with central and local government as well as industry.

"David Quarmby brings a mix of intellect, organisational ability and a grasp of the need to put good service at the forefront," she said. "He also brings a relentless drive for quality, which is part of the Sainsbury's culture."

Mrs Bottomley added that part of Mr Quarmby's brief was to develop better links between the BTA, ETB and regional tourist boards, and with the private sector.

The industry will also expect him to sort out the Crown classification scheme and look at further promoting the UK's restaurants abroad.

Mr Quarmby will work a three-day week and receive a salary of £54,000, compared with Ms Biss's two-day week, £41,000 post.

Ms Biss said she had worked "far more" than two days a week and added: "It's good that it has now been recognised."

Ms Biss is looking to remain in the tourism industry, either starting up in business herself or joining an existing business.