ALMR appoints new chief executive
McHattie, who will replace Nick Bish and start his role at ALMR's AGM on 8 May, has also served as chief operating officer at People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism in the UK, and was instrumental in establishing the National Skills Council for Hospitality.
Since 2011 he has run a customer service benchmarking business and in July 2012 he took over The Devonshire Arms Inn & Kitchen in Baslow, Derbyshire.
McHattie will formally take up the position at ALMR at its Annual General Meeting on 8 May and Bish will continue to support the association in a senior part-time capacity on the ALMR Board.
It is understood that four candidates were shortlisted for the chief executive role, including the ALMR’s strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls. It is not known whether Nicholls – who has worked with the ALMR as a consultant since 1997, and who was introduced as "deputy chief executive" at last year’s ALMR annual dinner – will stay on under the new CEO.
McHattie said: "Building on the strong legacy left by Nick Bish, I am looking forward to playing my part in promoting our industry and securing support for our businesses. ALMR members play a vital role in developing talent, creating jobs and adding huge value to both society and the exchequer."
Steve Richards, ALMR chairman and chief executive of Novus Leisure, said: “David joins us at an important stage in the ALMR’s history. David has the breadth of experience and drive necessary to ensure that ALMR works in dynamic partnership with its members to show the vital contribution our sector makes in delivering jobs and growth across the country. We will also continue to benefit from Nick Bish’s experience and support through his advisory part time role on the ALMR Board.”
The requirement for a new leader of the ALMR arose because, according to Council rules, its CEO must ‘retire’ before his or her 65th birthday, and Bish is approaching that milestone.
Bish established the ALMR in 1991 as a representative trade body for independent multiple operators. He was initially appointed secretary and then later the organisation’s chief executive.
After 10 years in the army, he first joined the industry with Courage running managed pubs, eventually becoming regional general manager with Imperial Inns & Taverns. He was then a director with HH Finch, a family-owned company with pubs, bars and restaurants in London.
Bish added: “I have been privileged to be part of ALMR since its foundation and growing it to the substantial and influential trade body it is today. David brings with him the vital skills and expertise to ensure that ALMR remains indispensable to our industry and I look forward to supporting him in his new role.”
