Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council (DEIB) diversity_1

Mark built a successful career managing hotels across London, the Midlands, and the Southeast, later bringing his hospitality expertise to business spaces in central London before becoming Sales Director at EP&T Global.

Mark brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for people, along with a strong belief in the power of collective action to influence decisions and drive meaningful change.

He embraced the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) many years ago, making them a fundamental part of his approach

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Maria’s hospitality journey began 18 years ago in front-of-house roles before moving into operations management across diverse settings.

She later transitioned into academia, where she now teaches hospitality and tourism management and leads research on topics including female career development, gender issues, critical hospitality, and prison dining. Maria collaborates internationally, with partners in the UK, Malaysia, and New Zealand, and is co-author of Adventure Tourist: Being, Knowing, Becoming. Her well-received whitepaper on Gen Z perceptions of hospitality as a career has sparked valuable industry dialogue.

Peter is a hospitality education and training professional, was Project Director for the unique multi-million pound Edge Hotel School, and has professional involvement in numerous national and international projects involved in hospitality education including Academic Director of the eHotelier Academy, the global online portal for hospitality professionals, and Chair of the Crumbs Project, a charity that provides professional hospitality training for adults with learning and mental health difficulties. 

Peter is also a trustee of the Savoy Educational Trust, Chair of the Institute of Hospitality’s Professional Review Panel, and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. 

An experienced and solution-focused Hospitality Management Professional optimising service delivery, and driving forward change within the industry. A strong passion to promote and support young people’s careers within the hospitality from disadvantage backgrounds. Also, accumulating a wealth of experience from working international hospitality organisations including Hilton and Marriott worldwide in Guangzhou China, Nashville USA, Cyprus and United Kingdom. Member of the Institute of Hospitality for the last two years from Associate to Member, and active Mentor to support young people’s careers within the industry. Winner of the Aspiring Manager of the Year 2019 with the Institute of Hospitality. Also, marathon runner supporting local charities to raise money including the Institute of Hospitality’s Janus Foundation. 

Moreover, graduate with BA (hons) International Hospitality Management graduate with first class honours, and LLM (Master of Laws) International Business Law. Recent graduate with MA (Master of Arts) 2021 in North Korean Studies focusing on human rights and diversity within international businesses. Currently, Assistant Front Of House Manager at Champneys Mottram Hall, Cheshire from Guest Relations Manager at the iconic 312 bedroom The Midland Hotel, Manchester. 

To promote inclusivity and diversity in the work place. Passionate about making the industry accessible to all people inclusive of race, religion and disability. The passion to foster a company culture where every voice is welcome, heard and respected, and also to welcome a multilingual workforce. It is important to consider young people’s careers from disadvantage backgrounds within hospitality, and how this can become more diversified within the industry. 

Enabler, creative and enterprising – helping people to succeed. Being innovative and forward thinking has led to effective delivery of regional and national projects such as setting up the Enterprise Adviser Network in Kent, Founder Member of Kent and Medway Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony, STEM Ambassador and more. 

I enable people in senior leadership positions to connect with senior leaders in secondary schools and Further Education Colleges to enhance careers and enterprise strategies and programmes, leading to delivery of meaningful encounters that prepare and inspire young people for a dynamic and exciting future world of work and enterprise. 

This leads to developing and facilitate exciting and innovative careers and enterprise related projects and programmes for young people, school staff and people in business to equip them with industry and education knowledge, information, tools and advice linked to curriculum and business development needs. 

Sam is Head of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality, with twenty-five years in hospitality operations before joining the IoH. 

With a background of apprenticeship delivery, senior roles in charitable organisations and hospitality operations along with lived experiences, Sam brings this knowledge and understanding to the IoH and the DEIB strategy. 

Dr Bora Kim, Lecturer in Hospitality Management & Director of BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management Programme, University of Surrey.

Bora examines managerially relevant questions in the hospitality and tourism industry from the perspective of strategic and financial management. Particularly, she investigates how characteristics of executives and corporate governance influence managerial actions and firm performance. She is passionate about creating positive social change through corporate social responsibility (CSR), equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and strategic leadership. 

In recent years, Bora has worked towards understanding the direct effects of corporate decisions on people. She has interacted with various stakeholders to understand how CSR policies are impacting the lives of people and creating positive changes in company cultures. With her diverse background in education and travel, she has a unique understanding of the effect of hospitality and tourism on people across the world. 

Stella has extensive Strategic, HR, and DEIB experience with over 30 years in Luxury Hospitality, globally & the UK as Director. With her lived experience, she is a trusted ally and partner focused on supporting Executives and HR Leaders by elevating their brands and reputation.  

Stella is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and believes in Decent work and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities and Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.