New Chair of Trustees Announced for The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Duncan Palmer as its new Chair of Trustees.
Palmer, Managing Director at the Bvlgari Hotel London, commands a career of more than 35 years at some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, initially 12 years throughout the Far East with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Then as General Manager of The Savoy and The Connaught, followed by Managing Director of The Langham and The Beaumont, all here in London.
Awarded an Honorary Academician to The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts in 2000, Palmer has a long history of supporting the association and championing the hospitality sector at large.
In his new role as Chair of Trustees for both The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt A School, the charity set up to encourage health eating habits and an enthusiasm for cooking in children, Palmer will provide leadership and guidance to the board, offer strategic direction, act as a global ambassador for the association and also ensure legal and governance requirements are fulfilled. On his new role, Palmer added:
“Having been a supportive and active Honorary member for many years, I am delighted and truly honoured to step into the role as Chairman of Trustees for both The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School. I look forward to assisting Lisa and the academy’s team to deliver on their priorities, while continuing to build on the acknowledgement of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School across the UK’s hospitality profession and educational settings. In my role, I aim to provide strategic support for all The Royal Academy’s endeavours and those of our members, to help create further educational and career opportunities for the talented and skilled professionals who will shape the future of our wonderful industry.”
Outgoing Chair of Trustees, David Coubrough, Founder of specialist hospitality firm Portfolio Recruitment and past chairman of Bespoke Hotels and the Castle Hotel in Taunton held the role since 2019. During this time, Coubrough oversaw the appointment of the Academy’s CEO, Lisa Jenkins and led the strategic direction of the association through the Covid pandemic.
On the appointment of Duncan Palmer, Lisa Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts added:
“We couldn’t be happier to announce Duncan Palmer as our new Chair of Trustees. Having spent more than three decades leading some of the most iconic hospitality venues across the globe and as an active Honorary member of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Duncan is perfectly placed to step into this crucial role, one that has been expertly steered by David Coubrough for more than seven years.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank David for his determination and dedication to The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and the support he has shown me in my role at CEO.
With Duncan Palmer chairing the board of trustees, Bill Toner as Chair of the Board of Governors, John Williams MBE as our President and Adam Byatt as our Chairman, I truly believe the future of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is bright.”
For more information on The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, please visit www.royalacademyofculinaryarts.org.uk or call 020 86736300.
-ENDS-
Written By:
Andrew Taylor C.F.S.P.
Managing Director | Eat PR
+44 (0)1249 564001
