William Baxter

Hospitality Action announces trustee changes

11th June 2010, 8:31am

Hospitality Action, the industry’s benevolent organisation, has appointed William Baxter CBE as its new chairman.

The industry charity said that as deputy chief executive of BaxterStorey, William's immense business knowledge as well as his conviction of the importance of giving back to the industry will be a real asset to them.

William has over 20 years experience in senior management positions in contract catering. He was awarded the 'Food Service Caterer' award in 1996 and the 'Contract Caterer of the Year' award in 1997. In 2000 he co-founded BaxterSmith, which later merged with WSH to become BaxterStorey.

The appointment follows the completion of a two-year term by Fred Barnes. As chair Fred has seen a change in the demographic of Hospitality Action beneficiaries as well as an increase in the number of supporters. 

Bob Cotton, out going chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, has also stepped down as a trustee although will remain as president. Peter Barrett, recently retired as divisional director of Debenhams Department Stores, has also relinquished his role as a trustee.

"Hospitality Action is a vital part of our industry. The service it offers past and present employees offers a real lifeline to those in the industry who find they have fallen on hard times. My time as a trustee and chairman has been both challenging and fulfilling and I am confident HA will continue to go from strength to strength" said Fred Barnes.

Further changes to the board have also been announced with the appointment of three new Trustees:
Matt Johnson, managing director of Bunzl Catering and Hospitality Division
Tracey Rogers, managing director of Unilever Foodsolutions UK 
Robert Walton MBE, president of The Restaurant Association and proprietor of Trunkwell Mansion House in Reading

Penny Moore, chief executive of Hospitality Action, said: "This is a time of great change for the charity and the board. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Fred as Chairman and Peter Barrett as trustee. Both have worked tirelessly in their support to HA and we wish them well for the future. I am confident that William and our new trio of trustees will excel in their posts and welcome them on board."

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• 20 Jan 2012 - Top chefs sign up to London to Paris cycle challenge for Hospitality Action
• 22 Sep 2011 - Industry experts take part in Three Peaks Challenge for Hospitality Action
• 16 Sep 2011 - Renowned chefs raise £30,000 for Hospitality Action charity
• 17 Aug 2011 - Team at Dukes Hotel London raise over £2,500 for charity
• 24 May 2011 - Hospitality Action appoints Heston Blumenthal as principal patron
• 22 Mar 2011 - Hospitality Action hosts tour of gardens at Highgrove
• 28 Feb 2011 - Manchester Hoteliers Association raises £15,000 for Hospitality Action
• 15 Feb 2011 - Top chefs team up to support Hospitality Action
• 25 Nov 2010 - Hospitality Action appoints co-ordinator for the North West
• 21 Sep 2010 - An evening with Marco Pierre White in aid of Hospitality Action
• 15 Sep 2010 - Date for your diary - Hospitality Action's annual Fundraising Ball
• 25 Aug 2010 - French Bubbles nominates Hospitality Action as its October charity of the month
• 09 Jul 2010 - SEAFOOD SUCCESS FOR HOSPITALITY ACTION
• 08 Jul 2010 - Luxury Chocolaterie Casemir recruits new UK sales manager

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