The Board of Trustees of Hospitality Action, the benevolent charity in the hospitality industry, has this week, made significant appointments to its leadership team. Jonathan Raggett, the CEO of Red Carnation Hotels, has been appointed as the new Chair of Trustees, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to guide the organization.
Alongside this appointment, Hospitality Action also welcomed a new Trustee and several new Patrons, further strengthening their team of dedicated individuals.
Raggett will take over the role from William Baxter CBE, who steps down after thirteen years at the helm, and will remain as a Trustee.
Baxter said. “It’s been my honour to have led Hospitality Action during such an important period of its history. The Employee Assistance Programme celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and has grown to become an industry-leading scheme that protects approaching 200,000 hospitality lives, with an exciting future ahead. And I’m incredibly proud of the way the whole team responded to the Covid pandemic by mounting a response so quickly and working tirelessly to support an industry facing collapse.
I know what a huge advocate of the charity’s work Jonathan has been for many years, and I hand the baton on to him safe in the knowledge that the charity will continue to flourish under his stewardship.”
On his appointment, Jonathan Raggett said “I’m delighted to be stepping into the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at such an exciting and important time for the charity. In my existing role as a Trustee, and during my professional life, I have seen how Hospitality Action’s work has made a positive impact on people’s lives during a time of difficulty. Our industry needs Hospitality Action, now more than ever before, and as a life-long supporter of the charity I can’t wait to get more involved to support the strategic direction and ambitious growth plans the team are developing.”
In addition to the changes to its governance, the charity welcomes Hotelier Danny Pecorelli to the Board and announces a new cohort of Patrons. Atul Kochhar, Chantelle Nicholson, Craig Prentice, Michel Roux Jr, Vivek Singh, Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala have all been appointed as Patrons of the charity.
Mark Lewis, CEO of Hospitality Action said: “Under William’s visionary leadership, Hospitality Action has gone from strength to strength. He has been a catalyst for change, and set us on a course that led to the creation of our Employee Assistance Programme a decade ago. The programme, which now protects some 200,000 hospitality professionals and sets the standard in employee care for the sector, will be a lasting legacy to William’s tenure as Chair. I am personally particularly grateful for William’s unwavering support as we mounted our response to the Pandemic.
“Under Jonathan’s leadership we are excited to start our next chapter. The last three years have taught us a great deal about the role we can play in making our industry an even better and more nourishing place to work.
“I’m also delighted to welcome Danny and our new Patrons. Patrons play a vital role not only in amplifying our message, but also in ensuring that the charity is relatable and reflects the beliefs, culture, and values of the industry we support.”
Since the start of 2020, Hospitality Action has spent £3.5m on grant-giving and awarded more than 10,000 grants. During the same period the charity grew its Employee Assistance Programme and helpline services, fielding some 26,000 calls to its helplines.