Mark joined Hospitality Action in 2017, bringing with him 14 years of experience at The Caterer, where he served as editor and publisher. His connection with Hospitality Action goes back even further, having previously served as a trustee of the charity for 11 years.
During his tenure as Chief Executive, Mark has led Hospitality Action through some of the most significant challenges faced by the hospitality industry, including the Covid pandemic, Brexit and continuing global economic uncertainty.
Throughout this period, strengthening the support available to people who work, or have worked, in hospitality and who find themselves facing difficult circumstances has remained a central focus of his leadership.
Under Mark’s stewardship, Hospitality Action has expanded its Employee Assistance Programme, developed new fundraising initiatives and introduced a welfare benefits advice service. The latter has already helped beneficiaries access more than £1 million in previously unclaimed benefits, further strengthening the charity’s commitment to its ‘We’ve got you’ promise.
Reflecting on his departure, Mark said:
“It’s been the honour of my life to be the custodian of our beautiful charity. Hospitality needs and deserves a strong charity to act as its safety net, and I’ve always believed that when you understand what Hospitality Action is and what it does, you can’t help but fall in love with it.
“I’ve been blessed to work alongside a fantastic team focused single-mindedly on improving the lives of others. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Hospitality Action along the way.”
Mark added that while he would love to see a world where a charity such as Hospitality Action was no longer needed, the continuing demand for its services means its work remains vital to the industry.
“I look forward to seeing our charity’s impact continue to grow in the future and I urge everyone working in hospitality to ‘pay it forward’ by finding a way to support our work.”
Jonathan Raggett FIH, CEO of Red Carnation Hotels and Chair of Trustees at Hospitality Action, paid tribute to Mark’s contribution:
“I would like to thank Mark for everything he has done for Hospitality Action during his nine years as Chief Executive. On behalf of myself and the Trustees, I wish him all the very best for the future and know he will remain a passionate advocate of this much-loved and essential charity for the hospitality industry.”
Mark will remain in post until March 2027, helping to launch a year-long programme of celebrations to mark Hospitality Action’s 190th birthday next year.
The Institute of Hospitality would like to thank Mark for his outstanding contribution to Hospitality Action and to the wider hospitality community, and wishes him all the very best for the next chapter.
Find out more about Hospitality Action and its work supporting people across the hospitality industry here.
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