Six new experts join IoH DEIB Council

The Institute of Hospitality has appointed six new members to its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council to strengthen its mission to develop strategies that promote and nurture inclusion across the Institute and the wider hospitality industry.

The new appointees bring deep expertise across higher education, people leadership, industry bodies and the pub sector. They will advise the Institute on strategy, champion inclusive practice across the profession and help shape practical initiatives that support hospitality employers and individuals.

Speaking about the new appointments, IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI said: “We are delighted to welcome these respected professionals to our DEIB Council. Their combined experience across our broad and varied industry will help us accelerate practical actions that raise standards and widen access to opportunity. As the world’s largest professional body for hospitality, our purpose is to support every professional to build a confident and rewarding career, and to help employers create workplaces where everyone belongs.”

Welcoming the new experts to the Council, Mark Grant MIH, Chair of the IoH DEIB Council, commented: “This diverse group of experts bring fresh perspectives and a proven commitment to DEIB. Our priorities to share practical guidance for employers, champion good practice, listen to early career voices and ensure every part of our profession is represented will be greatly strengthened by these appointments. Together with the existing members of the Council, we look forward to making a greater impact across hospitality businesses and the profession.”

The new IoH DEIB Council members are:

Paul Cook MBE MIH, Chief Executive Officer of Hereward College. Paul leads one of the UK’s largest specialist colleges providing pioneering education to the disabled community and those with special education needs. He has a long record of success working with large-scale partnerships with hospitality employers such as Whitbread and their Thrive Programme and has over 25 years’ experience working in education and training.

Edward Lo FIH, Vice President Human Resources, Dorsett Hospitality International. Edward brings a strong track record in collaborative DEIB projects, community engagement and organisation-wide advocacy. He is focused on building environments where everyone feels valued respected and empowered to succeed.

Tal Sunderland-Cohen MIH, Chairman of the Wine Guild of the United Kingdom. Tal leads a board with more than ninety per cent women and has extensive experience in community building, strategic event curation and cross-cultural engagement across the wine and hospitality industry.

Clare Sheridan FIH, Director and Founder, Opus Professional Development. Clare is an experienced learning, development and coaching professional who has embedded DEIB principles into programmes that foster inclusive cultures and support people to perform at their best.

Pamela Reckert, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in International Hospitality Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. Based in Manchester, Pamela combines operational and academic experience with a focus on mentoring, curriculum development and industry engagement.

Guy Porteous MIH, hospitality specialist and advocate for the pub sector. With more than forty years of experience, Guy brings insight into the vital role pubs play in local communities, including well-being and mental health, and the breadth of careers that support the sector.

The IoH’s DEIB Council advises the Institute on strategy, programmes and partnerships that advance inclusive cultures across hospitality. Its members act as ambassadors for the profession, contribute to research and guidance, and support initiatives that help individuals enter, remain and progress in their hospitality careers.