Our Ambassadors
Tom James
Managing Director - Bill's
Tom has worked in hospitality for over thirty years since his first job collecting glasses in his local pub. He went on to be a senior manager for Henry J Beans, Revolution and two independent restaurants in Jersey and Bristol. For the last 15 years he’s been a Director of a wide variety of businesses including Jamie’s Italian, Coppa Club and Harbour Hotels.
He joined Bill’s in October 2021 as Group Operations Director, and has been Managing Director of the well-loved, all day casual dining brand for the past three years. Over that time, the team at Bill’s have delivered record sales, doubled Ebitda and returned to the expansion trail in November 2024, with further openings planned over the next two years.
Ceri Gott
Culture & Leadership Coach, Former Chief Growth & Culture Officer - Hawksmoor
Ceri combines evidence-based approaches with her genuine care for people to help leaders unlock growth potential and energise teams. Her expertise is rooted in a remarkable 13-year journey at Hawksmoor, where she helped grow the small London operation into an award-winning international group of 13 restaurants employing 1,250 people.
Drawing on her earlier career as a government economist, she proved that intentional culture drives exceptional growth - achieving £100m turnover whilst being named a Top 100 Best Company to Work For every year and becoming the first UK restaurant to earn BCorp certification. Believing a strong Hospitality culture is rooted in care she is proud to be an Ambassador for Hospitality Action.
Jo Lynch
Account Director - KAM
Jo brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to KAM, across agency, operator and supplier businesses within the industry, providing expertise across multiple projects and disciplines, including research and insight, marketing and PR, sales driving, guest experience, technology and operationally focused projects.
Chris Fletcher
Founder & CEO - Tech On Toast
Chris Fletcher is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry with extensive experience in operations and technology integration. With a career spanning over two decades, Chris has held various leadership roles in renowned hospitality brands, gaining hands-on expertise in restaurant management, team development, and customer experience enhancement.
As the founder and host of the Tech On Toast podcast, Chris focuses on simplifying the adoption of technology solutions for hospitality businesses, providing insights and guidance to operators seeking to enhance their operations. His deep understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities, combined with a passion for innovation, makes him a trusted voice in the intersection of hospitality and technology.
Matt Bell
Managing Director, Mollie's
Matt Bell is a seasoned hospitality executive and Managing Director at Mollie’s, where he leads the brand’s UK expansion. Mollie’s is positively different by design: bold yet modest, stylish yet relaxed, always warm and fun. Under Matt’s leadership, the brand combines nostalgic Americana with innovative technology and a carefully curated, effortless guest experience that delivers outstanding value.
Prior to Mollie’s, Matt was Chief Hotel Operations Officer at citizenM, overseeing a portfolio of award-winning hotels in some of the world's greatest cities. His career also includes leadership roles at The Hospital Club and Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to authentic, tech-enabled hospitality, Matt continues to shape the future of affordable luxury.
Nicole Goodwin
Marketing Director - Comptoir Group
With over 25 years in marketing and brand leadership, Nicole has shaped some of the UK’s most recognisable food and drink brands. Currently Group Marketing Director at Comptoir Group, she has led the brand’s repositioning, digital transformation, and record-breaking trading performance.
Previously Global Marketing Director at Big Drop Brewery and UK Marketing Director at Jägermeister, Nicole has driven growth across international markets, transformed customer engagement, and delivered award-winning campaigns including the iconic JägerHaus festival activation.
A regular speaker and panellist at industry events including Hostech and Restaurant Marketer & Innovator, Nicole combines creative flair with commercial focus — championing innovation, guest experience, and data-driven growth across hospitality.
Gavin Allison
Global Head of IT - Lore Group
Gavin Allison is a visionary technology leader with over two decades of experience in IT across some of the world’s leading hospitality brands, including Lore Group, Cheval Collection, Mandarin Oriental, and Four Seasons.
As Global Head of IT at Lore Group, Gavin has led groundbreaking digital initiatives that modernize systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and elevate the guest journey by continually pushing the boundaries of innovation, data, and connectivity.
A forward thinking and collaborative leader, Gavin continues to challenge the status quo and inspire progress across the hospitality industry, setting new standards for excellence, innovation, and digital transformation.
