The Savoy Educational Trust has appointed CH&CO’s Chief Executive Bill Toner as a Trustee.
A highly experienced hospitality leader, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Trust. He joins existing Trustees Robert Davis MA MBE DL, Howard Field FCA FIH FHOSPA, Dr Sally Messenger FIH, David Taylor MI FIH, Professor Peter A Jones MBE and Stephen Lowy. Collectively, the Board supports the Trust in its core mission to fund projects that advance and develop education and learning in the hospitality industry, something they have done for over 60 years.
Bill started working in the trade as a chef, before joining Gardner Merchant, where he rapidly rose through the ranks to become the UK & Ireland Managing Director of its £600m B&I catering business. Bill then went on to join catering giant ARAMARK as CEO of its UK subsidiary, growing the company from £150m to £400m turnover in just five years.
In 2010, he became a shareholder and CEO of Host Management, successfully supporting Robyn and Tim Jones’ growth plan through a series of mergers into what today stands as CH&CO. The company has an annual turnover approaching £450m, employing around 10,000 people with operations at almost 900 sites across the UK and Ireland, which Bill continues to lead in the next stage of its evolution.
Throughout his senior career, Bill has played an active part in supporting a number of other industry and business groups. These range from being a Trustee on industry charities, Hospitality Action and Springboard UK, to being a past member of the CBI’s London Business group and a Board member of the British Hospitality Association (now UK Hospitality), along with Adopt a School and Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA).
Speaking on his appointment, Bill Toner said: “I’ve been a passionate supporter of the Savoy Educational Trust for many years and it’s a privilege to deepen my involvement as a Trustee. In my opinion, the hospitality sector is the best industry to work in and one that offers so much potential and opportunity. Thanks to the education and funding opportunities offered by the Trust, people can start at all levels and continue with their education and skills with a meaningful career in hospitality.”
Howard Field, Chair of Trustees said: “I am delighted to welcome Bill Toner to the Board. His vast experience, knowledge and passion for the industry will be of great value. He joins us at an exciting time, with the recent appointment of Angela Maher as Chief Executive, who is developing a new strategy for the Trust. The other Trustees and I look forward to working with Bill to support educational projects that make a meaningful difference in our sector.”
Find out more information about the projects that are supported by the Savoy Educational Trust here: https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/.
