Institute of Hospitality announces new appointments


New team members, including a new Head of Membership & Membership Sales, have been onboarded at the IoH, as the charity continues to evolve and focus on providing its members with an exceptional professional development journey, whilst also focusing on growth.
Tej Daffu MIH joins as the IoH’s Head of Membership & Membership Sales. Previously director of Membership and Commercial at Membership World, he also spent 9 years at the Direct Marketing Association as Head and then Director of Membership.

The new IoH membership role now reflects a more commercial angle as Tej confirmed: “I am excited to take on this new role and attract new members, engage with existing members, and ultimately help grow the organisation.

“I am extremely enthusiastic about meeting our members and building strong relationships which will be crucial in helping me understand their needs, provide excellent customer service, and deliver real value. By actively listening to feedback and suggestions, I hope to enhance the membership experience and ensure member satisfaction” he concluded.

Louise Brown MIH re-joins the IoH team in the role of Commercial Executive after leaving the Institute in 2021. She will assist IoH Head of Events and Commercial Development Sarah Peters FIH to support the Institute’s Business Partners.

Re-joining the IoH team under IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI, Louise said: “In the short time I have been away from the role, I have seen the IoH move forward in leaps and bounds, and this is a very exciting time to join again with all of the great events, CPD opportunities and changes happening within the Hospitality Industry. I am looking forward to re-connecting with old colleagues and building relationships with new ones.”

Emma Ellis MIH joins as Events Administrator to assist Head of Events and Commercial Development Sarah Peters FIH and is also excited at her new challenge: “I have a strong hotel event and sales background so I cannot wait to organise events from the other side, working with some incredible venues and suppliers, who are part of the IoH family.”

Enhancing the accounts team, Akim Belekov joins as Accounts Assistant under Leon Williams FIH, IoH Head of Finance.

Currently studying ACCA, Akim has been working in finance for over two years: “I’m working with a great team of people who are extremely supportive as I’m currently studying for my accountancy qualification. It’s a busy role, and I’m focused on achieving success in everything I do, so I am delighted to be part of an organisation that shares my goal.”

Speaking about the new additions to the IoH team IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI said: “I am delighted that we have a wealth of new talent coming into the team, as well as a previous team member returning. We have come a long way in a short time and it’s encouraging to see that even our ‘old’ colleagues are excited to return and join us on our evolutionary journey.”