Stephenson takes on chief executive role at Hospitality Action

Hospitality Action has appointed Jim Stephenson as its new chief executive, replacing Tony Allen, who left the charity last November to take up a career in education.

Dublin-born Stephenson, 54, was most recently Six Continents Hotels' vice-president of operations UK North. He previously worked for Forte Hotels when it was part of Granada-Compass, and for its predecessor Trust House Forte (THF) Hotels as a regional director. His background includes experience as general manager of THF's Hallam Tower hotel, Sheffield, and the Queens hotel, Leeds.

In 2000 he was awarded the accolade Fundraiser of the Year by Hospitality Action for raising £300,000 for the charity during his time with Forte.

Hospitality Action, which provides advice and financial support for catering and hospitality workers who fall on hard times through illness, accident or bereavement, was forecast to raise more than £390,000 in 2002 and assist nearly 700 applicants for funds.