Robert Richardson

Robert Richardson is the chief executive officer of the Institute of Hospitality, an award-winning global body of almost 15,000 hospitality professionals dedicated to driving the recognition of the industry. The group is a registered charity and aims to uplift its members through lifelong learning, mentorship and networking.

During his successful career, Robert has worked with a number of Kent-based pubs, restaurants and hotels, including The Grand in Folkestone, Eastwell Manor in Ashford, the Holiday Inn in Rochester, the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Maidstone and the Hilton Hotel in Dartford.

Robert, who lives just outside of Canterbury, also took on the role of general manager at the popular Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Boughton, near Faversham, in 2020 and was shortlisted for Best Hotelier in the Brit List Awards in the same year.

Robert will be judging the Hospitality Champion category.