Meet our Advisory Board

Sir Garry Hawkes CBE has enjoyed a career of rare distinction, holding senior leadership positions that few ever reach. Most notably, he served as CEO of Gardner Merchant, the contract catering firm acquired by Sodexo in 1995 for £800 million — equivalent to approximately £2 billion today. Under his leadership throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Gardner Merchant grew into a people-first organisation employing 57,000 people worldwide.

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.

Richmal is Employment Lead at Autism Action, where she leads national work to close the autism employment gap and improve workplace inclusion. Richmal is also 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.

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.

James Dixon—Box is Operations Director at Marsham Court Hotel, a hotel that has won countless accolades and award for accessibility and Inclusion. James is also a Charity Trustee.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.