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Ill-health forces Craft Guild of Chefs chairman Andrew Bennett to step down

24th Nov 2020 - 06:00
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The Craft Guild of Chefs’ chairman, Andrew Bennett MBE, is to stand down with immediate effect after a period of ill health. Vice-chairman, Matt Owens, will take over the post in the interim, until Guild holds its annual general meeting in April 2021 and a new chair can be voted in.

He has been involved with the association for more than 13 years, and was appointed as chairman in 2018. During his tenure, he has played a vital role in formulating and shaping the strategy for the association that would drive a significant change and growth.

A keen supporter of encouraging young people into the hospitality industry, he has remained committed to training and extending the chefs’ network.

Since 2018 he has helped launch notable initiatives such as the Guild Lunch Clubs, Mentoring Scheme, Membership Engagement Programme and its College Accreditation Scheme.

During his time as chair he also helped drive digital change through launching an improved, refreshed website and a brand-new app.

He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2009 for his ‘exceptional services to the hospitality industry’, being presented with it by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

He was director of food and beverage at the Park Lane hotel at the time, having joined it in 1994, and only stepped away in 2016 after more than 22 years and taking up a consulting role.

Craft Guild of Chefs chief executive Andrew Green said: “My colleagues and I would like to thank Andrew for his remarkable contribution to the success and growth of the association.

“Andrew is not only an outstanding chef, but he is also a true visionary, with enormous knowledge of the hospitality world. He has played a pivotal role in inspiring young people to get into the hospitality industry and drive change in the way we operate and communicate.

“It has been a privilege to work with him, and we will miss his extraordinary commitment, energy and drive.”

For more information about the Craft Guild of Chefs please visit: https://craftguildofchefs.org/.

 

Written by
David Foad