One of York’s most influential organisations has a new chair.
Adam Wardale is the new man heading up the Hospitality Association York (HAY).
He’s general manager at York’s 4-star Middletons Hotel – and the first winner of the Unsung Hero Award at the VisitYork Awards in March.
Adam takes over from Martin Bradnam, who has taken on another role, whilst Sarah Czarnecki, director at Grays Court, will continue her role as vice president.
HAY has more than 20 members, ranging from independent hotels, international chains and some of the largest hotels in the city including The Principal, Malmaison and The Grand.
That makes it one of the largest employers in York and in turn, contribute heavily to the local economy. HAY members collectively have more than 2,000 rooms in the city and employ more than 1,500 people.
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Adam said: “It’s both an honour and a privilege to take on a chairman role and continue to work with all the fantastic HAY members.
“Hospitality is in my blood and I’m proud to work in York, it’s such an incredible city.
“I started work as a part-time food and beverage assistant at Daniel Thwaites’ Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa in Leeds, whilst finishing my degree in hospitality management.
“I’ve continued to be promoted to various positions before becoming the General Manager at Middletons Hotel, so I feel my breadth of knowledge across the hospitality sector gives me a good starting point to support and lead change with HAY.
“This new role as chair is just the beginning and I’m excited to see the difference we can make to the hospitality industry.”
HAY, ‘the collective voice of York’s hospitality sector’ is to re-focus its values to work on three key areas:
- People – A top priority as they aim to positively impact the perception of hospitality within the local and wider area
- Local – They will aim to influence and impact local decision makers with regards to local issues
- Support and Social – Members of the association will assist each other with industry-wide problems whilst also aiming to drive forward their social activities.
Find out more at the HAY website.
Adam is now a finalist for the Unsung Hero Award in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, announced on 8 June.