Chez Gérard boss revealed as new chairman of People 1st

Nick Basing, the chief executive of Paramount Restaurants, has been unveiled as the new chairman of hospitality sector skills council People 1st.

Basing, winner of the Catey Group Restaurateur of the Year 2006, replaces Don Davenport, who retired from Compass last year after 30 years.

Brian Wisdom, People 1st chief executive, said: "Basing provides the perfect role model in terms of enterprise and vitality, and we are delighted that he has agreed to lead our talented Board of trustees.

"His appointment is an important step in bringing People 1st's leadership bang up to date."

Basing added: "It is a great privilege. I adore our industry, and hope that through People 1st we can make a demonstrable difference to all our colleagues working within it.

"I would like to pay special tribute to our previous chairman who has played a critical role in putting the platform in place that we can now build upon, and I'm very grateful for his smooth handover of the helm."

Basing, a Harvard graduate, has held senior positions at Granada, First Leisure Corporation and the Rank Group,

He is the latest high profile industry figure to join People 1st, joining the likes of Robert Cook (Malmaison), James Horler (La Tasca), Tim Bacon (Living Ventures), Nick Howe (Holroyd Howe) and David Fairhurst (McDonalds).

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By Daniel Thomas

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