The day-to-day leadership of UKHospitality will pass to Allen Simpson, who will promoted from deputy CEO to CEO.
At the same time, current non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, will move to become president.
UKHospitality says the move will enable Nicholls and Simpson to ‘deliver a new, bolder strategy’, which will be announced in the coming months.
The ‘enhanced strategy’ will focus on continuing to advocate for and deliver policy change, while growing the organisation’s operational capacity in areas such as skills.
“UKHospitality has grown incredibly over the last few years in terms of membership, influence and impact,” says Cassidy.
“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.”
Nicholls says this next chapter for the trade body reflects its impact, status and ambition.
“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,” she says.
“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.”
Simpson’s move follows 18 months as deputy CEO, in which time he has led on ESG and conceived and delivered the Social Productivity Index to highlight the sector’s worth to people and communities across the UK.
“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,” Simpson says.
“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.”