Distinguished hotelier and Master Innholder, Harry Murray MBE, has been elected President of hotel association, HOSPA, as it enters a key period for attracting British talent into the hospitality industry.
Murray, who is the chairman of Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, has worked in the hospitality industry for over 50 years and has been recognised with numerous awards for his tireless efforts to raise standards of excellence. His awards include Hotelier of the Year, Catey Lifetime Achievement Award and an MBE for services to the hospitality industry.
His election was made by a unanimous decision of the HOSPA Board, based on his prominence in the industry, his reputation and his previous involvement with HOSPA and BAHA (the previous name for HOSPA).
HOSPA helps hospitality’s Finance, Revenue Management and IT professionals to develop their careers, network with colleagues and keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments.
Speaking about his election, Murray said, “I am proud, honoured and delighted to have been chosen to lead this prestigious association at a time when retaining, attracting and developing talented people is vital to the future success of the British hospitality industry.
“For me, hospitality is the best industry in the world and we should be proud of the high standards we have achieved in the UK during the past 25 years. This is an industry where you can start at the bottom and go right to the top of the profession and we have to get that message across.
“Hospitality finance, revenue management and IT have never been more important than they are today and HOSPA leads the way with its educational programmes, events and workshops. I see an opportunity to work with HOSPA to help businesses improve their financial leadership, so I am looking forward to working with Jane and the executive committee to help them achieve this.”
Jane Pendlebury, Chief Executive of HOSPA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Harry to the role of President. With such a distinguished career and a wealth of knowledge about the industry, we believe he is one the best people to lead us and are hugely looking forward to working with him to achieve our aims and objectives.”
