Bob Cotton to leave the BHA next year

3rd September 2009, 3:01pm

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, has announced he will be leaving the association in July 2010.

"By the time of the general election, I will have been chief executive for more than ten years, so the election of the new government in 2010 is an appropriate time for me to step down and hand over the reins," Cotton said.

"Building up good relationships with government departments is a key role and my successor will be able to do this right at the start of the new administration - no matter who wins the election.

"The last ten years have been immensely rewarding and challenging but it is now time to move on. The hospitality industry now plays an even greater role in the UK economy than it ever has done and, despite the present recession, looks set for further expansion."

Mr Cotton will continue to take an active part in the industry and will remain chairman of the Hospitality Skills Academy, president of Hospitality Action and a member of the board of Springboard UK.

Dudley Osborn, chairman of BHA's national executive said that Mr Cotton's contribution to the association had been outstanding: "He has raised the profile of the industry in every respect and he will be a very hard act follow.  But we understand why he now wants to move on. His influence on the industry will continue to be felt in the future."

The association will begin the search for his successor later this year. Cotton joined the BHA in January 2000.

Related Articles:

• 14 Feb 2011 - Christopher Davy elected BHA chairman
• 29 Mar 2010 - UFI IBRAHIM TO SUCCEED BOB COTTON AT BHA
• 30 Nov 2009 - Compass Group delighted with its two Springboard awards

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Harry Murray

07 September 2009 at 12:40pm

Bob has been a great ambassador for the hospitality industry during the past 10 years and he has made a major contribution to our industry. He has tirelessly tried to convince the Government of the value of tourism to the economy of the country. Bob has also made a great contribution to education in hospitality & tourism as chair of the Hospitality Skills Academy & as a member of the board of Springboard UK. As Chairman of Hospitality Action Bob has been the driving force to raise funds for the industry's charity. Bob will be a very difficult act to follow because a high percentage of the contribution he has made went beyond his job description.

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