Vandana, who joined the IoH Board in 2024, takes over from outgoing Vice-Chair Peter Avis FIH, who served a six-year term on the Board, four of which were as Vice-Chair.
A Fellow of the Institute, Vandana is Managing Director at Davenport Solicitors, specialising in employment law and corporate immigration and has been closely involved with the Institute for several years, contributing to a broad range of CPD activities and thought-leadership discussions.
Commenting on her appointment, Vandana Dass FIH said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Vice-Chair and to have the opportunity to contribute further to an organisation I care deeply about and a profession I am proud to be part of. I look forward to working with Martin, Robert, my fellow Trustees and the IoH team to ensure the Institute continues to represent, support and champion hospitality professionals around the world.”
Raj Chakraborty FIH, Regional General Manager at Macdonald Hotels, joins as a new Trustee and, as a long-standing supporter of the IoH, he brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the Board. He also collected the inaugural IoH Mentor of the Year 2026 Award in the summer for his mentoring work, supporting members.
Raj confirmed: “I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be joining the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Hospitality. Having spent my career in an industry that has given me so much, I see this as a wonderful opportunity to give something back and support the future of our profession. The Institute plays such an important role in developing people, promoting excellence and championing hospitality, and I am very much looking forward to working alongside my fellow Trustees to help shape its future.”
Welcoming the appointments, the Institute’s CEO Robert Richardson FIH MI Hon DLitt said: “Vandana has brought valuable insight, experience and commitment to the Board since joining us in 2024 and I know she will make an excellent Vice-Chair. I am also delighted to welcome Raj to the Board. His extensive operational experience, passion for developing people and commitment to our profession will bring another valuable perspective to our work.
“With more than 17,000 members and our strongest membership figures for over 20 years, we have a very strong foundation for the future. Our focus now is to build on that success; increase the value we deliver to members and continue strengthening the Institute’s global reach and influence.”
Robert concluded: “I would also like to thank Peter for his considerable contribution, passion and dedicated service to the Institute and the Board. We wish him every success for the future.”
Martin Traynor OBE FIH, Chair of the IoH Board of Trustees, added: “I am delighted that Vandana has been unanimously appointed as Vice-Chair. Her professional expertise, judgement and commitment to the Institute will be a great asset as we look to the future. I am also delighted to welcome Raj to the Board. His experience will further strengthen the breadth of expertise we have around the table.”
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