Thompson has been the vice chair of ACE for two years and a member of the council for seven years. She was also confirmed as client services director at BaxterStory last week.
Thompson said: “I’m excited to be taking the reins from Gaye, as she has set the scene for the next generation to join in with the future of ACE.
“One of our biggest challenges is raising awareness amongst this group of the events that we run, and the benefits of networking face to face. Having younger members on the board will really help us to engage with their peers.”
The aim of ACE is to get staff from the catering industry networking and the membership is open to people of all ages and experience.
Departing chair, Gaye Bullard said: “Two years have flown by! Since taking over from Paul Hurren in 2017, we have continued his good work encouraging young people into our network, with 4 of the ACE alumni (Holly Brown, Chris Howard-Kraft, James Pike, Adam Thomason) joining the board.
“We’ve also extended our online activity and have seen some exciting Instagram takeovers from The Clink, Blue Apple and The Genuine Dining Company. We have had over 100 sponsors that have generously supported our events, and have raised over £20,000 for the Wiggly Worm Charity.
“I’m delighted to be handing stewardship of ACE over to Sue, who is highly regarded in the industry. She is a true foodie at heart, and has a wide network of connections built up over the years that will be a huge benefit to ACE.”
Sue Prentice of Blue Apple has been appointed as the vice chair of ACE. She has been a council member for three years and she has chosen Hospitality Action as the designated charity for the next two years.