Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis is Deputy Dean of the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of West London. An experienced hospitality leader, educator and author, his work connects academic insight with the operational realities of hospitality, tourism and foodservice.

Before joining the University of West London, he led the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ulster University Business School. During his tenure, the department achieved sustained success in national rankings, student satisfaction and industry recognition. His wider leadership experience includes serving as Director of Help to Grow, Lead Academic for Knowledge Exchange and Director of Doctoral Studies at Brighton Doctoral College. Across these roles, he has led academic transformation, curriculum development, doctoral education, knowledge exchange, widening participation and industry engagement.

Professor Pantelidis is the author of REEF: Transformational Leadership, a practitioner-focused exploration of leadership, organisational resilience and positive transformation. He is also a co-author of Food and Beverage Management, one of the sector’s established international textbooks, and co-editor of the Routledge Handbook of Hospitality Management. His research and writing examine leadership, hospitality management, food and beverage operations, sustainability, regenerative hospitality, technology, artificial intelligence and the relationship between education and industry practice.

He previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Tourism and Hospitality Research, published by SAGE, and as Hospitality Editor of the Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education. He continues to contribute to the editorial boards of international hospitality and tourism journals and shares accessible industry and leadership insights through his Think in the Circle digital platform. He is the editor of the CABI consice -  Regenerative Practises, series.

His contribution to the profession includes having served as Chair of the Council for Hospitality Management Education and Director of the Association of North America Higher Education International. He has also served on the executive boards of the Institute of Hospitality, Tourism Concern and Cavendish Academy. He currently sits on the Advisory Board of Be Inclusive Hospitality, supporting its work to create a more inclusive and equitable hospitality sector.

A Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Professor Pantelidis has held academic and leadership roles at several UK and European institutions. His academic career followed extensive professional experience in hotel and restaurant management across Europe and in the management of a London-based tour operator.

Raised on the Greek island of Leros in a family of hoteliers and restaurateurs, he retains a strong personal connection to the industry and the island. This background continues to shape his commitment to practical scholarship, responsible leadership and hospitality education that creates meaningful value for businesses, communities and future professionals.

Professor Ioannis S. is panel expert of the Sustainability in Hospitality panel.