Kate Nicholls made chair of UKHospitality as Allen Simpson named CEO

Allen Simpson will be stepping up to the role of chief executive at UKHospitality (UKH) as he takes over from Kate Nicholls, who will take on the new role of chair of the organisation.

The reshuffle will see Nicholls moving up to the role of chair, seven years after she helped form the trade body in 2018 through the merger of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the British Hospitality Association.

As the organisation’s first paid and full-time chair, Nicholls will continue to champion the industry to government. She also sits on the government’s tourism, hospitality and food and drink sector councils.

While serving as CEO, she received an OBE for her services to hospitality during Covid.

Simpson joined UKH as deputy chief executive in February last year, having previously served as executive director and acting chief executive of London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s tourism, investment and city marketing agency.

Over the past 18 months, he has led on ESG and delivered UKH’s Social Productivity Index to highlight the importance of the sector to communities across the UK.

Both Nicholls and Simpson will collaborate with UKH’s non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, who has transitioned into the role of president.

Cassidy said: “UKHospitality has grown incredibly over the last few years in terms of membership, influence and impact. Having both a dedicated, full-time chair and a CEO in place, UKHospitality can become even bigger and better, and go further, faster.

“Kate has transformed the organisation into a formidable force for the good for the sector, most notably during the worst crisis the industry has ever faced – Covid. Together, Kate and Allen will continue to champion the industry and drive change for the benefit of our members and the economy of the UK.”

Nicholls added: “This new chapter reflects the impact, status and ambition of UKHospitality, which continues to be the vital voice for our broad and important sector. We have established strong and effective influence for the country’s fourth largest economic sector and have a seat at the highest table alongside other core business groups on the macro-economic issues of today.”

Simpson commented: “I’m excited to step up to CEO and to have the opportunity to build further on the team’s significant body of work for this crucial industry, continuing Kate’s momentum. My focus will be to drive growth, services and a platform for success for – and with – our members. The economic context is shifting fast, and as a sector we need to take greater control of our own destiny.”