Hospitality Action announces trustee changes

The industry charity said that as deputy chief executive of BaxterStorey, William's immense business knowledge as well as his conviction of the importance of giving back to the industry will be a real asset to them. William has over 20 years experience in senior management positions in contract catering. He was awarded the 'Food Service Caterer' award in 1996 and the 'Contract Caterer of the Year' award in 1997. In 2000 he co-founded BaxterSmith, which later merged with WSH to become BaxterStorey. The appointment follows the completion of a two-year term by Fred Barnes. As chair Fred has seen a change in the demographic of Hospitality Action beneficiaries as well as an increase in the number of supporters. Bob Cotton, out going chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, has also stepped down as a trustee although will remain as president. Peter Barrett, recently retired as divisional director of Debenhams Department Stores, has also relinquished his role as a trustee. "Hospitality Action is a vital part of our industry. The service it offers past and present employees offers a real lifeline to those in the industry who find they have fallen on hard times. My time as a trustee and chairman has been both challenging and fulfilling and I am confident HA will continue to go from strength to strength" said Fred Barnes. Further changes to the board have also been announced with the appointment of three new Trustees: Matt Johnson, managing director of Bunzl Catering and Hospitality Division Tracey Rogers, managing director of Unilever Foodsolutions UK Robert Walton MBE, president of The Restaurant Association and proprietor of Trunkwell Mansion House in Reading Penny Moore, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: "This is a time of great change for the charity and the board. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Fred as Chairman and Peter Barrett as trustee. Both have worked tirelessly in their support to HA and we wish them well for the future. I am confident that William and our new trio of trustees will excel in their posts and welcome them on board."