People 1st has announced that the Shine Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award is to be renamed in honour of legendary foodservice entrepreneur and CH&Co Group founder Robyn Jones.
The Robyn Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, which will serve to commemorate the late foodservice operator’s career and contribution to the industry, will be presented to a woman who has demonstrated long-term dedication to the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry and excellence in her career.
Previous winners include former VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe, the Seafood Restaurant director Jill Stein, and Robyn Jones herself, who won the accolade in 2011. Sadly, Robyn passed away last year aged 54.
People 1st chief executive, Simon Tarr said, “Robyn Jones was a true pioneer for women in hospitality. Our research shows that lack of visible role models is still seen as a barrier for a lot of women in the industry, and Robyn’s story was – and still is – an aspirational one that will inspire other women to aim high.'
“She was a valued member of our Women 1st network, and we’re proud to be able to honour her legacy through the Robyn Jones Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Part of the Women 1st campaign and now in their 11th year, the Shine Awards are the only awards that celebrate the unique skills and contribution that women, and those who support their career progression, bring to the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry.