Distinguished hotelier and Master Innholder, Harry Murray MBE, has been elected President of hotel association, HOSPA, as it enters a key period for attracting British talent into the hospitality industry.

Harry, who is the chairman of Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, has worked in the hospitality industry for over 50 years and has been recognised with numerous awards for his tireless efforts to raise standards of excellence. His awards include Hotelier of the Year, Catey Lifetime Achievement Award and an MBE for services to the hospitality industry.

His election was made by a unanimous decision of the HOSPA Board, based on his prominence in the industry, his reputation and his previous involvement with HOSPA and BAHA (the previous name for HOSPA).

HOSPA helps hospitality's Finance, Revenue Management and IT professionals to develop their careers, network with colleagues and keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments.

Speaking about his election, Harry said: "I am proud, honoured and delighted to have been chosen to lead this prestigious association at a time when retaining, attracting and developing talented people is vital to the future success of the British hospitality industry.

"For me, hospitality is the best industry in the world and we should be proud of the high standards we have achieved in the UK during the past 25 years. This is an industry where you can start at the bottom and go right to the top of the profession and we have to get that message across.

"Hospitality finance, revenue management and IT have never been more important than they are today and HOSPA leads the way with its educational programmes, events and workshops. I see an opportunity to work with HOSPA to help businesses improve their financial leadership, so I am looking forward to working with Jane and the executive committee to help them achieve this."

Jane Pendlebury, Chief Executive of HOSPA, said: "We are delighted to welcome Harry to the role of President. With such a distinguished career and a wealth of knowledge about the industry, we believe he is one the best people to lead us and are hugely looking forward to working with him to achieve our aims and objectives."

Harry will next attend the Annual HOSPA Learner Awards Ceremony at Hilton on Park Lane, London on 25th January. The event celebrates the achievements of all our highest achieving learners on the Revenue Management and Financial Management programmes in 2017.

For more information on HOSPA, please visit http://www.hospa.org/.

About HOSPA

HOSPA - the Hospitality Professionals Association - is a not-for-profit educational organisation, formed to bring together professionals involved in all things commercial within the hospitality industry in the UK. HOSPA is recognised as the UK's authoritative voice in the hospitality industry on financial management, technical accounting issues, as well as the leading arena for debate on investments, hospitality technology developments, revenue management and marketing. HOSPA's Professional Development Programmes provide rigorous and relevant education for all those seeking to further their careers in these important functions. It will also be launching its new course in Asset Management in September 2020. A regular programme of workshops and seminars provides the perfect opportunity for members to continue to develop their knowledge and network with colleagues. HOSPA is on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @HOSPATweets. For more information, visit: www.hospa.org

Liz Bowen
PicPr
+44 1386 882474
HOSPA