Meet our Board
Hospitality Connect is governed by a Board of experienced leaders from hospitality and education, providing strategic oversight, compliance, and support for sustainable growth.
Adrian Ellis, our founder sets the long‑term vision, supported by a dedicated team of Partnership Managers, Ambassadors, and Project Leads who deliver the programme across the UK in collaboration with their local careers education teams ensuring alignment with regional and national educational priorities.​
Adrian Ellis
Adrian a highly accomplished hotel executive with over 30 years’ experience as General Manager of five-star international properties across the UK, Europe and Asia. A Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and Master Innholder, he founded Hospitality Connect and was awarded as Hotelier of the Year 2022 by The Caterer and the recipient of the AA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 for his services to the industry.
Barbara Rathmill
Barbara is an experienced educator and former Head of Food Technology. She now delivers national training through the Food Teachers Centre, supporting food safety, teacher and technician development. A certified Food Safety Trainer and co-author of the GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Revision Guide, Barbara continues to shape food education and curriculum delivery across the UK.
Chris Gamm
Chief executive of Springboard since August 2020, Chris leads the charity in its mission to transform lives through hospitality. Under his leadership, Springboard delivers innovative training that will deliver 1 million hospitality skills by 2030 and supports 5,000 people each year into meaningful employment in the industry. Chris is passionate about building partnerships that expand Springboard’s reach and impact, equipping young people and adults with the skills, confidence and support they need to succeed in hospitality.
Daljit Bains
Daljit has over 22 years experience in the education sector, with a background in recruitment, sales and account management. A qualified guidance practitioner, he is passionate about supporting young people and adults into training, education and employment. He has extensive experience across business development, admissions and work experience, and is committed to building strong partnerships with employers, local authorities and stakeholders such as the DWP.
Lee Kelly
Lee is a General Manager within the world-renowned Dorchester Collection. As the Hospitality Connect project lead for W1GMA and a passionate advocate for nurturing future talent, he champions collaboration between industry and education, helping to create meaningful pathways into hospitality careers and inspire the next generation of professionals.