CRERAR Hotels chief executive, Chris Wayne-Wills, has been appointed as the new chairman of UK Hospitality Scotland.
Wayne-Wills was elected by the trade group’s Scotland Committee and succeeds former chairman Calum Ross, owner of the Loch Melfort Hotel in Argyll.
Wayne-Wills has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked for businesses including Macdonald Hotels, QHotels and Marriott International before joining Crerar in 2020.
As chairman he will work with Leon Thompson, executive director of UK Hospitality Scotland.
“I am delighted to have been elected chairman of UK Hospitality Scotland and look forward to playing my part in supporting hospitality move towards recovery,” said Wayne-Wills.
“Our businesses are bearing the brunt of the current economic challenges, but collectively we are resilient, innovative and determined to succeed.
“Working with the executive director in Scotland and the team in London, I will help ensure that our members and businesses have their voice heard on the issues that matter. Our sector is one of Scotland’s greatest economic success stories, delivering jobs, enhancing communities and showcasing the very best of our country to guests and visitors. There has never been a more important time for our sector to speak with one voice and I look forward to working to benefit the industry to which I am so passionate and committed.
“My priorities are to push to end the staffing challenges, that so many of our businesses are experiencing, by working to enhance the sector’s reputation as a career of choice; to press for reform of business rates to make them fairer for hospitality; and to continue to argue for the reduction in regulatory and policy burdens.”
