Former commercial manager of the AA joins Institute of Hospitality
Alistair Sandall has been appointed head of professional development at the Institute of Hospitality, after spending 11 years with AA Hotel & Hospitality Services.
In his new role at the hospitality industry's professional body, Sandall will oversee the promotion of the Institute's qualifications and continuous professional development products and services.
The Institute works with colleges, training centres, businesses, universities and students.
Sandall said he is joining the Institute at a time when the industry is facing "real challenges" as "the new standards-based apprenticeships roll out, the Apprentice Levy bites and we come to terms with Brexit".
He added: "The Institute's role in meeting these challenges is to provide thought leadership and compelling professional development solutions. Improving productivity and reducing staff turnover are key differentiators between success and failure. These are both best achieved through human capital development initiatives."
Sandall took the HCIMA final membership qualification at Ealing Technical College and has been a member of the Institute of Hospitality throughout his career.
He left the AA, where he joined in 2006, as commercial manager. Earlier in his career, he worked as a general manager with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Thistle Hotels, and Hanover International Hotels and Clubs. Sandall also spent three years with Southern Sun Hotels in South Africa.
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