UKHospitality has announced that Kate Nicholls OBE, the current CEO, will be promoted to the new role of Chair. Meanwhile, Deputy CEO Allen Simpson will step up to become the new CEO. Additionally, Steve Cassidy, the current non-executive chairman, will assume the position of President.
This leadership change will empower Nicholls and Simpson to implement a bolder strategy aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing value for both members and the wider hospitality sector.
The new structure comes after a remarkable period of expansion since the organisation’s inception, during which UKHospitality has established itself as the definitive voice for the hospitality industry, trusted by both government and the media.
The details of the enhanced strategy will be unveiled in the coming months. Building on past successes, it will focus on driving further policy change and expanding the organisation’s operational capacity—particularly in skills development. This commitment is exemplified by the recent launch of the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS), a government-backed initiative training new entrants across 26 regions.
Nicholls will become the organisation’s first paid, full-time Chair, building on her role as a prominent advocate and ambassador for the sector. This progression reflects the organisation’s growth and her status as a key champion and leading voice for hospitality with successive governments. The new role will enable her to dedicate even more time to promoting the sector across political and media platforms, while strengthening government engagement and awareness of the industry’s challenges.
Day-to-day leadership of UKHospitality will now be under Allen Simpson in his new role as CEO. With extensive experience in tourism, leisure, global investment, and economic policy, Simpson brings valuable expertise to the position. During his 18 months as Deputy CEO, he has led initiatives on ESG and developed the Social Productivity Index, showcasing the sector’s contribution to people and communities throughout the UK.
In their new roles, this highly experienced duo will continue to advance both the organisation and the wider sector, driving positive and lasting change.
Steve Cassidy, President of UKHospitality, 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.”
Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “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.
“Together we will work alongside Government on some of the most pressing developmental policies for this country and its key industries. Top of my list is to ensure Government continues to listen to our calls for sector support, following the £3.4bn of costs that hit us in April, root and branch reform of the business rates system, as well as building longer-term momentum for the compelling rationale for creating a dedicated VAT rate for hospitality.
“I look forward to working ever-more closely in partnership with Allen as our team delivers a new and emboldened strategy, and maximum positive change for our sector.”
Allen Simpson, CEO of UKHospitality, said: “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.”
