Meet Our Board

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Board of the Liverpool Hospitality Association, I am writing to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our outgoing Chairs and Vice Chairs for their exceptional commitment and leadership over many years. In particular, we wish to formally recognise and thank our outgoing Chairs, Marcus Magee and Paul Askew, together with our outgoing Vice Chair, Steven Hesketh. Throughout their long-standing involvement, each has played a vital role in shaping and strengthening our association, as well as championing the wider hospitality sector across the city of Liverpool.

Their dedication, support, and advocacy have been instrumental in driving our work forward. Their commitment to the development and success of the ABID in Liverpool has been invaluable, helping to ensure that the voice of our sector continues to be heard and that our city remains a destination of excellence for visitors and residents alike. We are delighted that both Marcus and Steven will continue to collaborate with the LHA as they continue in their roles as Chair and Vice Chair for the ABID.

We would also like to acknowledge the immense contribution of Paul Askew, whose leadership, influence, and passion for Liverpool’s hospitality and restaurant scene have helped elevate the city’s reputation on the national and international stage. We are pleased that Paul will continue to be actively involved from the food and beverage perspective, ensuring this vital part of our industry continues to thrive.

From the existing Board, we are pleased to confirm that Peter Schriewersmann of Happy Days Group and Helen Roberts, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express, Albert Dock, will be the new Co-Chairs for 2026. In addition, Neil Brailsford (General Manager of Pullman Liverpool) and Kirsty Monington (General Manager of Maldron Liverpool) will take on the role of Treasurers, continuing their valued contribution to the association.

We are also strengthening the representation of the food and beverage sector within the association. We are delighted to welcome new additions including Kier Smith (Business Development Manager of Albert’s Schloss Liverpool), Oliver Clarke (Director, Baa Baa Group) and Daniel Gillbanks (Co-Founder, PINS Social Club), with further engagement to follow as we continue to broaden industry participation.

Alongside this, we are pleased to confirm new representation from the hotel sector through the involvement of David Walker (General Manager of Novotel Paddington Village Hotel) and Takis Melitsiotis (General Manager of Halyard Liverpool), further strengthening the breadth and depth of industry perspective within our association.

We are also delighted to introduce new affiliate representation through Darren Gilligan of Liverpool Tour Experiences, ensuring that the wider visitor economy continues to be fully reflected in our work.

In addition, a number of existing Board members will continue in their valued roles:

• John Hughes, representing Liverpool Nightlife CIC
• Christine Henney, HR Director for Titanic Hotel Liverpool, who has successfully chaired the People & Skills Sub-Group
• Sarah Kelly and Sara Mullins, who together co-chair the Sales & Events Sub-Group

On behalf of our full membership, we thank Marcus, Paul, and Steven for their years of service, guidance, and unwavering commitment. Their legacy of collaboration, professionalism, and civic pride will continue to benefit our association and the wider hospitality community for years to come.