New UKH CEO, as Nicholls becomes chair

Trade body UKHospitality has announced that CEO Kate Nicholls (pictured) is to step up to the new role of chair, with Allen Simpson transitioning to the CEO position.

Simpson, who joined UKHospitality in January 2024, moves up from his deputy CEO role and will take over the day-to-day leadership of the organisation.

At the same time, current non-executive chairman Steve Cassidy will become president. 

UKHospitality says the move will enable Nicholls and Simpson to deliver a new, bolder strategy for the organisation as it looks to "turbocharge further growth" and deliver more for members and the wider sector.  

"This new chapter reflects the impact, status and ambition of UKHospitality, which continues to be the vital voice for our broad and important sector," says Nicholls. "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."

Moving forward

The details of UKHospitality's new enhanced strategy will be announced in the coming months, but it has told Pub & Bar it will build on those achievements to date and will continue to deliver policy change, while growing the organisation’s operational capacity in areas such as skills. 

Nicholls will be the organisation’s first paid and full-time chair. The trade body says the changes will allow her to devote even more time to championing the sector in both the political and media landscapes, and deepen government engagement and understanding of the sector and its challenges.

The day-to-day leadership of UKHospitality will pass to Simpson in his new role as CEO. His 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," says Simpson. "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."

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