Richardson succeeds Peter Ducker FIH at the helm of the international professional body for current and aspiring hospitality leaders and managers.
In September 2020 Richardson was elevated to the role of IoH vice-chairman and in 2018 he received the Institute of Hospitality Judges’ Award.
He said: “As hospitality returns to the forefront of our economy and our daily lives after a year of unprecedented disruption and challenge, there has never been a more important time for our industry to cultivate strong leadership and management skills.
“We also need to attract and inspire future generations of talent, and I believe the IoH is perfectly placed to help support this. It is a huge honour to step up and lead our institute moving forward into a brave new post-lockdown world.”
Richardson will be working closely with IoH chair Kellie Rixon MBE FIH to shape the role of the institute as it seeks to adapt to a post-pandemic world.
Rixon added: ”We could not be more thrilled to welcome Robert as our new CEO. We know he brings with him not only a wealth of hospitality industry experience and connections, but the respect of his peers in education and the wider community where he has dedicated so much of his time to raising the standards and stature of our amazing profession.
“The IoH will draw on his huge passion, focus and drive to further excel as the industry’s recognised professional body. I look forward to working with Robert to achieve great things for the institute and our members in the UK and around the world.”