Join Us

Elizabeth Gadsby MBE FIH dies | A leading light in the hospitality industry & HCIMA

8 August 2022

We are sad to announce the death of Elizabeth Gadsby MBE FIH, Director of the Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) now known as the Institute of Hospitality, from 1976 to 1991. Elizabeth died peacefully at her home in Kew, aged 94.

In a 1970s male-dominated profession, Elizabeth became one of the UK hospitality industry’s most influential and respected leaders. As the director of the HCIMA, the CEO role as it would be known now, she worked for the Institute from 1976 to 1991. She became a Fellow in 1988.

At the helm of the HCIMA, now the IoH, she boosted the Association’s influence at UK Government level and overseas. She introduced regular lobbying dinners with MPs in the House of Lords and initiated significant growth in international recognition of the HCIMA with the creation of Overseas Chapters in countries ranging from Malta, to Nigeria and Hong Kong. Under her leadership, the HCIMA’s membership increased from 23,000 to over 30,000.

She was also responsible for the major development of the HCIMA’s library and information services. She introduced expert industry-specific committees such as the highly successful Technical Advisory Group, which published free information fact sheets for members on key issues of the day, ranging from food safety to the environment. Such initiatives underpinned Elizabeth’s determination to extend the HCIMA’s education remit, ensuring that the Association’s membership services were relevant to members at every stage of their careers. The growth in the provision of lifetime learning through CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is one of her many lasting legacies.

Elizabeth’s funeral will be held at 2.40pm on Friday, 26 August 2022 at Mortlake Crematorium, Kew Meadows Path, Townmead Road, London TW9 4EN. After the service, there will be refreshments at the nearby Coach and Horses Pub, 8 Kew Green, Richmond, TW9 3BH.

On behalf of our worldwide members and everyone at the IoH, we send our sincere condolences to her family.

Share this Article
Become a Member

Be part of our well-respected network, get trusted advice and take a positive approach to your learning and development.

Log in to your account

[nextend_social_login login=1]
Not A Member Yet? Join Us

Your business card may take a moment to be generated. You can save your business card by right clicking -> save image as, or holding down on the image on your phone.