UK: Sam Coulstock, founder of Inspired Community Group, has been named as head of professional development for the Institute of Hospitality (IoH), effective 23 August.
Coulstock will take over the role from Alistair Sandall, who is moving on from the IoH after four years.
With 25 years in hospitality operations, business development, apprenticeship training and careers, Coulstock will drive the organisation’s growth strategy. This includes accreditation and endorsement of academic and vocational training programs, mentorships, workshops and webinars.
He has been behind a number of initiatives such as the nationwide Big Hospitality Conversation which created over 60,000 jobs, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities across the UK. From 2016-2020, Coulstock also served as business relations director for Umbrella Training.
Voluntary work includes a 10 year stint as vice-chair of HR in Hospitality, and serving on the editorial board of HQ, the IoH’s quarterly members’ magazine. In November last year, Coulstock launched the Inspired Community Group which has drawn support from Red Carnation Hotels and Savoy Educational Trust.
Speaking about his appointment, Coulstock said: “I am delighted to be joining the Institute of Hospitality at a time when our industry needs to change, grow and develop. Continuing professional development will be critical for our members to succeed in a fast-changing world. It’s an exciting time for the Institute, and I am honoured to be part of the journey and to help the industry I love dearly.”
Robert Richardson, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “Sam is a fantastic addition to our executive team. At a time when the Institute and industry need it most, Sam brings his enormous experience in education, training and careers. He knows our industry inside out and has been an active Fellow of the Institute. I’m also proud to say that I have worked closely with Sam in the past, and have seen first-hand his professionalism and passion. He makes things happen. Welcome to the team, Sam!”
