Meet our Advisory Board

Frank Bothwell, Group CEO and Founder of Thomas Franks, the UK’s leading family-owned catering partner, employing more than 3,000 people globally and is guided by a culture of kindness. The company was named in the top ten of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work list and was awarded platinum accreditation from Investors in People in 2025. Through its charitable arm, The Thomas Franks Foundation, more than 3.5 million meals have been donated to those at risk of food poverty.

Shawn Pisani, Vice President, HelmsBriscoe the global leader in hotel site selection and the placement of meetings and events. HelmsBriscoe’s international team spans more than 60 countries, with local experts helping clients deliver successful meetings across the world.

Professor Peter A Jones enjoyed a distinguished professional career in the army, industry and higher education and chaired professional and government bodies in the UK, Australia and Lithuania. Professor Jones is Chair, Crumbs, a disability charity that provides hospitality education and training for adults with learning and mental health disabilities. He was made Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to the hospitality industry.

James Dixon—Box is Operations Director at Marsham Court Hotel, a hotel that has won countless accolades and award for accessibility and Inclusion. In August 2025, James was appointed by the UK Government as the new Disability & Access Ambassador for the Hospitality Industry.

Mark Lewis is Chief Executive of UK hospitality’s benevolent charity, Hospitality Action. As Editor and Publisher of The Caterer, for well over a decade, Mark steered the media brand’s campaigning editorial work in the field of accessibility. And he was proud to introduce the Accessibility Catey category to the Cateys Awards, in 2008.

Donna Marie Edmonds is CEO at the prison reform charity The Clink. Grounded in the belief that all people deserve second chances, The Clink provides a nurturing rehabilitation programme that reduces reoffending through training opportunities in prison by teaching cooking and horticulture to enable offenders to gain qualifications for employment in the food and hospitality industry upon release.

With more than 25 years’ experience in media, Charlotte Evans brings a career shaped by trust, transformation, and a keen understanding of hospitality’s evolving narrative. As Group Publishing Director of Condé Nast Johansens for more than 12 years, she led the brand’s strategic direction across print, digital and events, forging enduring relationships with hoteliers both in the UK and globally.

Ross Calladine is the Accessibility and Inclusion Lead for VisitEngland, developing and leading initiatives that help tourism businesses and destinations tap into the high value, growing accessible and inclusive tourism market. Ross was appointed Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism by the UK Government in January 2022.

Shelley Cowan is a disability researcher and advocator of inclusive futures for all, she is an international keynote speaker, a TEDx Speaker, and Associate Partner at BB Merchant Services.

Stephen Maley began his career in the design and manufacture of orthotics and prosthetics for children. With a deep-rooted understanding of inclusive design, Maley led international teams at HEWI, the global specialist in system solutions for accessibility across the hospitality and healthcare sectors. Today, he continues his mission through an independent consultancy, providing sector-leading advice and compliance support to organisations seeking to embed accessibility at every level.

Mike Tunnicliffe held multiple C-suite roles including Chief Growth & Marketing Officer for GroupM, the world’s largest media investment company (now WPP Media). At Universal Music Group, Tunnicliffe spearheaded a team creating groundbreaking partnerships between consumer brands and artists. His work helped emerging talent gain visibility and connected global artists with meaningful campaigns.

Oxford Brookes Alumnus (Hospitality Management, Class of 1988). disABILITY Champion Hilton Hotels UK & Ireland (2004-2008). Paralympic Torchbearer (London 2012). Founder & CEO UK’s Leading Experiential Muscular Dystrophy Family Charity (Muscle Help Foundation). Record Breaking Polar Adventurer. Professional Speaker. Disability Advocate. Included in Power 100 list for four consecutive years (from 2019) as one of Britain’s most influential people with a disability.

Warner co-founded Motionspot in 2012 and has since led the company to become a recognised authority in inclusive design for hospitality, later living, and commercial environments. Motionspot’s work has demonstrated the commercial and operational value of environments that combine design excellence with accessibility. In 2024, he was awarded an MBE for services to disabled people and inclusive design practices.

Richmal is the founder of Seats at the Table, a consultancy focused on neuroinclusive access in customer experiences. She has served on the Accessibility Board at The O2.

Business Development Manager, F&D, Venues and Community Relationships, London Hilton on Park Lane. Peter worked with Virgin Group for 15 years including roles as General Manager at the Babylon Restaurant, London Roof Gardens. Peter personally supervised the wedding of Sir Richard Branson’s daughter Holly, on Necker Island. Peter is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.

Kellie Rixon MBE FIH is General Manager at The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, former chair of the Institute of Hospitality, and a columnist for Hospitality & Catering News. Kellie was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to the hospitality industry.

Robert Richardson, FIH MI is CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, the global body for the Hospitality Profession. Parliamentary Steering Committee Member for Modernising Employment. Honorary Master Innholder. Trustee Room to Reward.