Prof Peter A Jones MBEÊreflects on his time workingÊwith Lifetime Achievement Award winner Philippe Rossiter and his valuableÊcontribution to the hospitality industry.
The recent 20th AA annual Hospitality Awards at the Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane, provided an opportunity to celebrate and recognise some of the United Kingdom’s top hotels, restaurants and pubs, but more importantly the people behind them. These awards also marked the release of the 2018 AA Hotel and Restaurant Guides.
There is always one award that recognises an individual’s achievement and contribution to the hospitality industry and for 2017 the award was presented to a colleague and friend, Philippe Rossiter.
I have known Philippe for far more years than either of us would care to remember, initially as an army officer when serving together in the British Army Catering Corps, then when he took on the role as the chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality and latterly as the Executive Secretary of the Master InnHolders. During our army service together I Òhanded overÓ appointments to Philippe on more than one occasion, but the relationship didn’t end there.
After I moved to the University world, we devised a professional MBA programme and Philippe became one of the very successful MBA students. During his time with the Institute of Hospitality and then the Master Innholders we then worked together on developing a new framework of professional qualifications and awards for the IOH and then a quite specific leadership programme targeted at ÔAspiring Leaders’ for members of the Master Innholders.
Philippe’s relationship with the industry has been one of professionalism and dedication, professionalism in everything that he does and dedication to improve the industry for the benefit of everyone who works within it. He can be outspoken because of his passion and belief and is often sharply critical of governments and organisations where they demonstrate a lack of understanding of the value of hospitality and a willingness to engage in its future.
A very strong advocate of education and training he has recently been engaged as a mentor for the eHotelier Executive Development Programme. His expertise, wisdom and experience are invaluable as are his extensive network of contacts built up over many years of serving the industry.
This award came as a complete surprise to Philippe, being a closely guarded secret between the AA, his wife Pauline and family. An award that is very well deserved and reflects on the integrity of the man and the very wide recognition by his peers, of his major contribution to the industry.
