Richard Whittaker of Oakwood Worldwide appointed chair of ASAP

The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) has appointed Richard Whittaker, director of supplier management (EMEA) at Oakwood Worldwide, as its new chairman.

Whittaker, who was previously deputy chairman of the serviced apartment sector's trade body, has succeeded Don James, managing director of Berkshire Rooms, who has stepped down after two years in the role.

He has worked in the serviced apartment sector for 17 years and has been with Oakwood Worldwide, which operates in nearly 100 countries, since 2011.

James Foice, chief executive of ASAP, said that Whittaker had been "a very strong advocate" of the association since joining the industry. "Richard's leadership will be particularly instrumental to the association at this time as we continue our global expansion, with the further rollout of our Quality Accreditation Programme internationally."

Whittaker said he was "honoured" to be taking over as chairman and added: "We have exciting plans to extend our global reach by partnering with other trade associations to strengthen awareness of our sector internationally."

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