The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Cowls MBE as its new Chairman, taking over the role from Bob Silk, who has served in the position since 2022.
Chris has been a member of the HOSPA Board since 2020 and he now steps into the Chairman role at a pivotal moment for the industry.
Bringing a wealth of experience, spanning both hospitality operations and technology, Chris began his career in international hospitality management with brands such as Compass, Burger King, Forte and UB. He then went on to establish his own restaurant business, Sunnyside Up, before co-founding Eproductive Ltd with his brother Nick in 2000. The company’s EPS people management system is now used by hundreds of hotels across the UK, with its retail platform supporting thousands of charity shops.
In addition to his commercial achievements, Chris has made significant contributions to the wider hospitality sector. He co-founded 2050, a network for UK foodservice leaders, and was appointed Visiting Professor in Hospitality & Tourism at the University of Surrey in 2015. Recognised for his services to the Church and to charity, he was awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List.
Commenting on the appointment, Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Chris as our new Chairman. His deep industry knowledge and entrepreneurial vision, paired with his commitment to developing hospitality people and technology make him the ideal person to guide HOSPA into its next chapter. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Bob Silk for his outstanding leadership and support over the past three years – he has been instrumental in strengthening HOSPA’s position across the sector.”
Outgoing Chairman Bob Silk, a long-standing HOSPA Board member and relationship director at Barclays specialising in funding multi-site hospitality businesses, has played a key role in steering the organisation through recent years of change and innovation.
Speaking on his new role, Chris Cowls said: “It’s an honour to become Chairman of HOSPA. I’ve always believed that the hospitality sector is one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries to be part of – and I’m excited to help shape the future of the profession at a time of significant transformation. HOSPA plays a vital role in equipping our current and future leaders with the knowledge, tools and community they need to thrive.”
Chris takes on the role with immediate effect.
