UKHospitality Scotland announces new chairman

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, has taken over as UKHospitality Scotland chairman from Calum Ross, owner and proprietor of Loch Melfort Hotel in Argyll.

Elected by the UKHospitality Scotland committee, Wayne-Wills becomes chairman at a crucial time for the sector, as it moves out from the shadow of Covid and takes on unprecedented financial pressures and workforce shortages.

“I am delighted to have been elected chairman of UKHospitality Scotland and look forward to playing my part in supporting hospitality move towards recovery," he says. "Our businesses are bearing the brunt of the current economic challenges, but collectively we are resilient, innovative and determined to succeed.

“Working with the executive director in Scotland and the team in London, I will help ensure that our members and businesses have their voice heard on the issues that matter. Our sector is one of Scotland’s greatest economic success stories, delivering jobs, enhancing communities and showcasing the very best of our country to guests and visitors. There has never been a more important time for our sector to speak with one voice and I look forward to working to benefit the industry to which I am so passionate and committed.

“My priorities are to push to end the staffing challenges, that so many of our businesses are experiencing, by working to enhance the sector’s reputation as a career of choice; to press for reform of business rates to make them fairer for hospitality; and to continue to argue for the reduction in regulatory and policy burdens.”

Wayne-Wills has over 25 years of experience in senior management positions in the hotel and tourism industry.

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