Blog. Welcoming our new Patron, Trustee and Ambassadors

January 6, 2025 | Author: Giuliana Vittiglio

This New Year we are thrilled to welcome Charlie Hodson, Director of Hodson Norfolk, as our newest Patron. The influence and dedication of Patrons are the backbone of our work, guiding us and helping inspire and endorse messages across the industry.

 

Charlie has demonstrated his deep commitment to championing the wellbeing of hospitality workers and his passion for creating positive change. One recent example of this passion was his participation in Walk for Wellbeing 2024 where he walked an impressive 155 miles from Norwich to London over 5 days, raising vital funds and awareness along the way.

 

Speaking about his new role, Charlie said:

“I feel so very humbled and blessed to be a part of this amazing charity that I, and my family, hold so very dear to our hearts. As a Patron of Hospitality Action, I hope to be able to share my own mental health journey- and help bring support to those who need encouragement and strength in their time of need by our promise that simply says, ‘We’ve got you’.”

In addition, Helen Milligan-Smith, Aramark President & CEO UK and Global Offshore, has been appointed as our newest Trustee. Helen brings a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic expertise to support in providing governance, guidance and insights to HA and helping expand our reach. Helen says:

 

“It’s an incredible privilege to join the Board of Trustees for this remarkable charity. Hospitality Action plays a vital role in providing essential support to our industry, offering a lifeline to so many during challenging times. I am truly honoured to step into this role and look forward to supporting their charitable endeavours, helping to raise funds and awareness to improve the lives of even more hospitality colleagues. Now, more than ever, our industry needs charities like Hospitality Action, and I am excited to be a part of its continued success.”

We are also delighted to announce the appointment of 18 exceptional individuals to our growing network of Ambassadors. These inspiring leaders from across the hospitality sector will join over 130 existing Ambassadors in championing our work to provide life-changing support to hospitality professionals and their families. 

Current Ambassadors include Mark Calver, Director, Hatch Mansfield, host of this spring's Bike to Care fundraising gala, Christine Henney, HR Director, The Titanic Hotel Liverpool, who is crucial to the organisation of Walk for Wellbeing and Emma Keeble, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Anchor People, host of our Mental Health First Aid training

The new cohort comprises of: 

Neil Braude, Chief Operating Officer, Imperial London Hotels

Sue Edwards, Head of HR & Operational Change, Premier Inn & Restaurants

Peter Farrell, Founder/CEO, Vessa

Raphael Herzog, GM, De Vere Hotel Tortworth Court

Steven Hesketh, Founder, Hospitality Hero

James Hiley-Jones, Managing Director, Greenclose Hotels Ltd

Lorraine Kellie, Managing Director, Davidson Asset Management Hotels

Adrian Mabbs, ER Services Manager, Premier Inn & Restaurants 

Damien Martin, General Manager, The Parkgate Hotel Cardiff

Tomas Maunier, MD and Co-Founder, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill

Michael Musgrave, General Manager, Apex City of Bath

Jane Pendlebury, CEO, HOSPA

Philip Steiner, COO UK&I, Netherlands & Portugal, Cycas Hospitality

Phil Street, Director, Momentum Recruitment

Justyna Szlosarczyk, Training and Wellness Officer, Z Hotels

Brian Tapson, Cluster General Manager, Apex Hotels London

Tatiana Timon, Hawksmoor

Ros Young, People and Culture Director, Z Hotels

As a charity, and as individuals, we value and appreciate the support of our Patrons, Trustees and Ambassadors more than we can express.

To view the full lists of all those who make our work possible, click here and to learn how you can get involved please get in touch.