22 June 2022

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, which owns seven four- and five-star properties across Scotland, has taken on the role of Chairman of UKHospitality Scotland.

With more than 25 years of experience in senior management positions within the hospitality sector, Chris follows in the footsteps of Calum Ross, owner and proprietor of Loch Melfort Hotel, who is stepping down from the coveted role after 11 years.

UKHospitality Scotland is the country’s largest hospitality trade body and represents all types of tourism and hospitality businesses from restaurants, bars and hotels to tourist attractions and nightclubs.

Chris was elected by the UKHospitality Scotland Committee as Chairman on 21 June 2022.

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, said:

“I am thrilled to have been elected Chairman of UKHospitality Scotland and look forward to playing my part in supporting hospitality move towards recovery.

“All of our businesses are bearing the brunt of the current economic challenges, but collectively we are resilient, innovative and determined to succeed.

“Working with the Executive Director in Scotland and the wider team in London, I will help ensure that our members and businesses have their voice heard on the issues that matter. Our sector is one of Scotland’s greatest economic success stories, delivering jobs, enhancing communities and showcasing the very best of Scotland to our visitors.

Chris continued:

“There has never been a more important time for our sector to speak with one voice and I look forward to working to benefit the industry I am so passionate and committed to.

“My priorities are to push to end staffing challenges by working to enhance the sector’s reputation as a career of choice; press for reform of business rates to make them fairer for hospitality; and to continue to argue for the reduction in regulatory and policy burdens.”

Beginning his career as a sales manager then working his way up to general manager and then progressing to further senior positions, Chris has become a leading figure in the industry thanks to his experience in a multitude of tourism and hotel businesses.

Chris has worked with some of the UK’s leading hoteliers including Marriott International, Macdonald Hotels and QHotels before taking the helm at Crerar Hotels Group in April 2020.

Since taking the position as CEO, he has led the Scottish hotel brand through the pandemic and propelled its recovery, and overseen a significant investment across various properties including Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, the Glencoe Inn and the newly rebranded Balmoral Arms.

Chris is also a trustee of HIT Scotland, a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and sits on the Institute of Hospitality Scotland Board.