The Devonshire, a five-storey pub just off Piccadilly Circus in Soho, was co-founded by renowned chef Ashley Palmer-Watts with Charlie Carroll and Oisin Rogers. Since opening in November 2023, it has become one of the UK’s most talked-about venues, celebrated for its wood-fired ember grill, on-site butchery ageing Scottish beef and curing Iberico pork, and its famously perfect pints of Guinness. With a career at the very top of British cooking, Ashley leads the kitchen with passion for simple dishes using great produce with a high level of execution.

Will Beckett is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hawksmoor. Having set up the first restaurant in 2006 with best friend Huw Gott, the pair have grown the business into one of the most admired restaurant brands in the UK. With restaurants in the UK, Ireland and the USA, Hawksmoor has a reputation as one of the best steak restaurants in the world. Hawksmoor has been ranked amongst the best companies to work for by Best Companies, and amongst the most sustainable restaurant groups by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, for 13 years in a row.

Dani joined CGA 6 years ago, coming from a background in research and development within the FMCG industry. Alongside building an in depth understanding of CGA’s data capabilities, Dani has spent much of the last 6 years working with and supporting some of the biggest Pub operators in the UK and continues her active support of the pub industry in her free time too.

Mark has been instrumental in the growth of numerous pub, bar & restaurant concepts since the early 1980s. After helping to develop brands including Henry’s Café Bars, Hanrahans & TGI Friday’s while at Whitbread, he ran the Country Style Inns group & co-founded seafood restaurant chain Loch Fyne, which grew from 2 to 36 sites before its sale to Greene King in 2007. Mark went on to lead Brasserie Blanc & White Brasserie, now known as Heartwood Collection, where he is Chairman. He also held Non Executive director positions at Camino & Be At One & is Chairman ofWrightBrothers.

Sarah is CEO of Rosa’s Thai, where she’s leading the business through its next stage of growth. With over 20 years in hospitality, she’s held senior roles at Côte Brasserie, Bill’s, Megan’s, and wagamama. Her work has focused on brand evolution, operational improvement, and people-first leadership. She’s particularly interested in how strong teams and clear values shape great guest experiences and long-term success.

Christobell was appointed Managing Director of Vagabond Wines last year following 18 months as Operations Director. Prior to this, Christobell has held senior operations roles across the hospitality industry serving linkas Operations Director at Megan’s, Commercial Food and Operations Director at Hilton Hotels and Change Programme Director and Operations Director at Wagamama.

Martin made a great impact when starting his career with Whitbread in 1990 after graduating from Leeds University. Starting out as their youngest manager, Martin was promoted rapidly through key operations and marketing roles. In 2000, Martin co-founded Arc Inspirations and set up the first of its 19 sites. He has a fantastic passion for the industry and his energy is contagious, proving to be an outstanding and respected leader over the past 30 years.

Simon is the CEO of The Alchemist; an award-winning concept was that established in Manchester’s Spinningfields in 2010. Since joining the business in 2015 he has overseen an energetic period of growth for the brand and the company now operates 23 venues in 12 major cities across the UK. During his time, The Alchemist has become world renowned for its theatrical and innovative cocktail offer, delivered by some of the best trained bartenders in the sector. In 2023 Simon and his team opened their first overseas location in Berlin and later this year will publish their second book.

Ben has been the Operations Director for Bill’s for 3 years & in that time has overseen the EBITDA double & like for like sales out perform the market year on year. Our internal programs of Sales driving, Team development, Guest Obsession & commercial Efficiencies have put the business on a steady footing to navigate the challenges of 2025 & open up strong growth opportunities for the businesses future success.

Louisa is the London Restaurant Director for Hawksmoor Restaurants, the award winning British steakhouse, known for its focus on people, product and purpose. With over a decade of leadership experience at Hawksmoor, Louisa has overseen multiple site openings and now leads the London operation. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and balancing commercial success with a strong company culture.

Gemma is Head of Digital Marketing at Honest Burgers, looking after all online marketing for the last 3 years including web & SEO, PPC, CRM & loyalty, social & delivery marketing. Gemma has previously worked for Hawksmoor and Harvey Nichols’ OXO Tower Restaurant, with 9 years of hospitality marketing experience.

Sarah is CEO of Rosa’s Thai, where she’s leading the business through its next stage of growth. With over 20 years in hospitality, she’s held senior roles at Côte Brasserie, Bill’s, Megan’s, and wagamama. Her work has focused on brand evolution, operational improvement, and people-first leadership. She’s particularly interested in how strong teams and clear values shape great guest experiences and long-term success.

Elton Mouna, a former UK board-level pub sector marketing director and London pub company MD, now channels his experience into shaping positive change in the industry. He is spearheading a movement, set to launch in 2026, that will confront bullying and the misuse of power in hospitality. As a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, he works closely with middle managers, coaching them to unlock their potential and lead with confidence.

Kate has over 15 years’ experience in hospitality marketing for industry-leading, innovative brands including Loungers (Lounge, Cosy Club, Brightside), Ole & Steen, Byron and Starbucks. Kate is passionate about putting the customer first – using research and feedback to bring out the best in brands.

Kate joined NWTC in September 2024 to nurture the much-loved Botanist concept at New World Trading – an award-winning brand alive with the vibrant spirit of nature.

Gemma started her career at EY & later KPMG working on Transactions across the Consumer space – from Ice-cream to High Fashion – and is a chartered accountant by training. Following her passion for food and people, Gemma joined Wahaca 8 years ago working across Commercial & Strategy before becoming COO in 2020. Gemma was appointed Managing Director in February 2022 and is charged with evolving the brand as it hits its 18 year.

David is CEO at Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, with over 4500 pubs, bars and venues across it’s Managed, Craft Union, and Pub Partners business models. Having started working in pubs whilst studying at university, David worked his way up through various operational roles in some of the country’s biggest hospitality groups, building a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for the sector.  David also sits on the board of UK Hospitality, the industry’s leading trade body as well as the WiHTL Advisory Board, the only Collaboration Community devoted to increasing Inclusion across Hospitality, Travel & Leisure.

Jason has spent his career in hospitality and retail, with brands like Tesco, Travelodge, TGI Fridays in operational roles before moving into MD & CEO roles with Costa, Ole & Steen, itsu and now Group CEO at the newly formed Arcturus Group comprising 3 market leading Asian brands (Pho, Rosa’s Thai, Mowgli). His leadership style and approach to business is shaped by his broad experience from the shop floor and kitchens and his belief in the potential of the fantastic people we work with everyday and how we can provide an environment for them to realise that potential.

James joined Prezzo as CEO in November 2024, tasked with leading the rejuvenation of the much-loved high street restaurant brand. Prior to this, he spent a decade at BrewDog, joining in 2014 as Retail Director when the company operated just 16 sites. He went on to serve as Managing Director and ultimately CEO of BrewDog Bars, leading a global team of over 2,300 staff across more than 135 locations spanning Australia, Japan, Europe, and the United States. James played a pivotal role in some of BrewDog’s most ambitious expansions, including the launch of BrewDog Waterloo.

Mark McCulloch is one of the UK’s top hospitality brand and marketing experts with over 20 years’ experience including senior brand and marketing positions at YO! Sushi and Pret a Manger.

Naddy Onions is the Marketing Director at Prezzo Italian, one of the UK’s most loved Italian restaurant brands. With senior leadership experience in hospitality and marketing, she is driving Prezzo’s evolution and growth. Passionate about storytelling and memorable dining experiences, Naddy blends creativity with commercial focus to deliver campaigns that celebrate everything Prezzo Italian has to offer. Naddy has also founded The Sober Glow Club, championing sober inclusivity in hospitality and encouraging venues to create welcoming experiences for all.

Marcel Khan is a powerhouse in hospitality. With 25+ years scaling iconic brands like Nando’s and Five Guys in Europe before stepping in as CEO of Fulham Shore, home to Franco Manca and The Real Greek. A culture-first leader, his tenure has seen strategic retail pivots, award‑winning innovation, and breakout improvements in customer NPS and brand momentum. With a sharp focus on frontline insight, workforce inspiration, and brand differentiation, Marcel unlocks powerful growth through emotional connections and operational excellence; delivering deep satisfaction and excitement in every bite.

Having worked within the food team for over 5 years, Andy has developed a wealth of knowledge within the Out-Of-Home foodservice industry, managing CGA by NIQ’s key food accounts and data partners and developing new business relationships during that period.

Andy often represents the business for live presentations, panel discussions and by attending trade shows/industry events.

Richard Lewis is the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at RedCat Hospitality, the operator of award-winning Coaching Inn Group and RedCat Independent Pubs. He joined as CEO in 2023 to lead a passionate and engaged team to deliver the business strategy: to grow Coaching Inn Group, while maintaining its strong identity and culture, and transform RedCat Independent Pubs into a standalone group of pubs that are an integral part of their local communities.

Steve is the driving force behind the BII. With a wealth of experience across multiple sectors, Steve has inspired new ways of thinking and working together, taking BII members voices directly to Government to push the Our Pub campaign, support and champion our industry. With both a passion for hospitality and as a trustee of Only a Pavement Away, Steve spearheaded Pedalling To Pubs earlier this year, hitting incredible fundraising goals and supporting our fantastic sector further.

Éadaoin McDonagh is Chief Operating Officer of White Rabbit Projects, a specialist incubator which identifies, creates and grows early-stage concepts, helping them to scale successfully while ensuring quality and guest experience is at the forefront.

Éadaoin is also the managing director of Lina Stores and has developed it from an 80 year old much loved Soho delicatessen, to 11 UK and 3 Japan stores today. WRP has a team of over 1,000 employees over 67 locations and their portfolio brands include Kricket, Island Poke, Locke Hotels Lisbon and Kensington , Graduate by Hilton, Rusacks and their wellness brand ARC.

Laura Mimoun has 15 years of experience within the retail and hospitality sectors. She joined Fulham Shore mid 2024 as CMO to lead the next stage of growth for Franco Manca and The Real Greek.

Laura began her career with international brands and local gems, including Cadbury, Green & Black’s Organic, and Pepsi. She later founded and scaled a food start-up making her an holistic business leader and a more agile marketer.

Driven by ambitious projects, Laura thrives on challenges and delivers with a clear and simple vision. Her North Star: build brand love and make customers feel something.

Mark McCulloch is one of the UK’s top hospitality brand and marketing experts with over 20 years’ experience including senior brand and marketing positions at YO! Sushi and Pret a Manger.

With an extensive background in QSR, late-night and Casual Dining, Tom has a real passion for the hospitality industry, and enjoys using data and insights to drive both brand love and guests into restaurants.

Joined Liberation Group in 2016 as Group Development Chef, becoming Head of Food in 2020 and now Director of Food since 2023. Part of a team that has grown the pub estate in last 8 years, transforming the food offer and it’s approach to training, food sourcing, and quality produce, leading to an eclectic range of menus & food sales growth. Won Pub and Bar Catey Award 2024 and Best Managed Pub Co Publican Award 2024 . Liberation Group has 75 managed pubs across the South and Channel Islands. Passionate mental health ambassador for The Burnt Project.

With over 20 years experience in hospitality, Matthew has worked with some of the industry’s most forward-thinking brands – including ha ha bar & canteen, Jamie’s Italian, and wagamama. These days, he’s leading the charge at Red Engine, the creative minds behind Flight Club Darts and Electric Shuffle, where he works closely with the founders to help power the business’s bold and exciting growth plans.

Matthew’s focus is simple: build teams that feel supported, inspired, and excited to grow. That’s where the magic happens!

Penelope Bruce is Operations Director at Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King. Over the past 15 years, she has worked across various parts of the business, including Metropolitan Pub Company and Loch Fyne Restaurants. In her current role, Penny leads the rollout of Greene King’s franchise concepts, Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs, which have grown to over 90 pubs over the last 4 years, offering differentiated and sustainable pub models to entrepreneurial operators.

Maria Vanifatova is a CEO and founder of Meaningful Vision, insight and data company operating in the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany. Meaningful Vision gives restaurants and suppliers tailored data insights to optimise pricing and promotions, boosting margins and market share where it matters most.

She is an executive professional with 25 years of international experience in consultancy, market research, and data analytics for the Retail, Consumer Markets, and Foodservice industries. She has held C-level positions in global market research firms. Her passion for data and insights, particularly their practical application, stems from her PhD degree in Knowledge Management.

The Devonshire, a five-storey pub just off Piccadilly Circus in Soho, was co-founded by renowned chef Ashley Palmer-Watts with Charlie Carroll and Oisin Rogers. Since opening in November 2023, it has become one of the UK’s most talked-about venues, celebrated for its wood-fired ember grill, on-site butchery ageing Scottish beef and curing Iberico pork, and its famously perfect pints of Guinness. With a career at the very top of British cooking, Ashley leads the kitchen with passion for simple dishes using great produce with a high level of execution.

Will Beckett is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hawksmoor. Having set up the first restaurant in 2006 with best friend Huw Gott, the pair have grown the business into one of the most admired restaurant brands in the UK. With restaurants in the UK, Ireland and the USA, Hawksmoor has a reputation as one of the best steak restaurants in the world. Hawksmoor has been ranked amongst the best companies to work for by Best Companies, and amongst the most sustainable restaurant groups by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, for 13 years in a row.

Dani joined CGA 6 years ago, coming from a background in research and development within the FMCG industry. Alongside building an in depth understanding of CGA’s data capabilities, Dani has spent much of the last 6 years working with and supporting some of the biggest Pub operators in the UK and continues her active support of the pub industry in her free time too.

Mark has been instrumental in the growth of numerous pub, bar & restaurant concepts since the early 1980s. After helping to develop brands including Henry’s Café Bars, Hanrahans & TGI Friday’s while at Whitbread, he ran the Country Style Inns group & co-founded seafood restaurant chain Loch Fyne, which grew from 2 to 36 sites before its sale to Greene King in 2007. Mark went on to lead Brasserie Blanc & White Brasserie, now known as Heartwood Collection, where he is Chairman. He also held Non Executive director positions at Camino & Be At One & is Chairman ofWrightBrothers.

Sarah is CEO of Rosa’s Thai, where she’s leading the business through its next stage of growth. With over 20 years in hospitality, she’s held senior roles at Côte Brasserie, Bill’s, Megan’s, and wagamama. Her work has focused on brand evolution, operational improvement, and people-first leadership. She’s particularly interested in how strong teams and clear values shape great guest experiences and long-term success.

Christobell was appointed Managing Director of Vagabond Wines last year following 18 months as Operations Director. Prior to this, Christobell has held senior operations roles across the hospitality industry serving linkas Operations Director at Megan’s, Commercial Food and Operations Director at Hilton Hotels and Change Programme Director and Operations Director at Wagamama.

Martin made a great impact when starting his career with Whitbread in 1990 after graduating from Leeds University. Starting out as their youngest manager, Martin was promoted rapidly through key operations and marketing roles. In 2000, Martin co-founded Arc Inspirations and set up the first of its 19 sites. He has a fantastic passion for the industry and his energy is contagious, proving to be an outstanding and respected leader over the past 30 years.

Simon is the CEO of The Alchemist; an award-winning concept was that established in Manchester’s Spinningfields in 2010. Since joining the business in 2015 he has overseen an energetic period of growth for the brand and the company now operates 23 venues in 12 major cities across the UK. During his time, The Alchemist has become world renowned for its theatrical and innovative cocktail offer, delivered by some of the best trained bartenders in the sector. In 2023 Simon and his team opened their first overseas location in Berlin and later this year will publish their second book.