The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts has announced that Lisa Jenkins, currently managing editor of The Caterer, will soon commence a new role as the next chief executive officer of the association.
Lisa will oversee all of the academy's initiatives including their annual apprenticeship programme working with the UK's finest catering colleges; the Annual Awards of Excellence, recognising the industry's most talented up and coming chefs, pastry chefs and waiters; The Master of Culinary Arts awards, a highly sought-after, four-yearly accolade for chefs and pastry chefs and the academy's registered charity Adopt A School, taking food skills into schools through its team of regional chefs to develop healthy eating habits.
She will work closely alongside the academy's trustees to forge a new future for the 43 year-old organisation. Chefs Brian Turner CBE and John Williams MB,E who in their existing academy roles of president and trustee and chairman and trustee, will work in partnership with her to reimagine the academy with a vision to make it more inclusive and forward-thinking in its support of an industry that is crying out for well-trained, talented staff.
Lisa shared, 'It is a privilege to take up the role of chief executive for the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, it's an honour to have the opportunity to shape the future of the association but also to continue the exemplary work of Sara Jayne Stanes.
'I'm excited about what the academy and its members can share and develop alongside the industry. I want to create a more diverse and inclusive membership and look at how we can work more collaboratively with the hospitality sector on a wider scale.”
John Williams, who has been closely involved with the academy for 35 years, commented, “I am absolutely thrilled that Lisa will join the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts as CEO. It’s a great opportunity to evolve the work of the Academy, shaping its future whilst developing the next generation of the hospitality industry’s talented professionals.”
Lisa joins the academy amidst further changes within the association. David Coubrough will step down as chair of the board of governors after a six-year term, but will continue as chair of the board of trustees of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School.
Bill Toner, CEO of the hospitality and catering business CH&CO, succeeds David as chair of the board of governors and joins the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts board of trustees.
The association's current managing director, Richard Larkin will leave the association at the end of February to take up a new role.
Bill confirmed that the academy is looking forward to a bright future and added, 'As a long-standing supporter of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, I'm delighted to take up the mantle of chair of the board of governors.
'I look forward to working closely with Lisa to help shape the association's next chapter. She is a fantastic champion of hospitality, and her knowledge of the industry and its people is second to none. Under her leadership the academy and its work to attract, develop, reward and connect talent will go from strength to strength.'