Outlook for the travel, tourism & hospitality industry in 2025

Richard Giles, Group Finance Director, Parkdean Resorts
Richard trained with KPMG in London, before spending six years with Rocco Forte Hotels, the luxury European hotel group. Following roles with the Washington Post Group, and Lonrho (the pan-African conglomerate), Richard spent eight years leading Finance for the worldwide consumer-facing diamond businesses of De Beers Group. Since 2021 he has served as Group Finance Director for Parkdean Resorts, the leading UK holiday park business. His passion is for people-centred, purpose-led multi-site hospitality and retail businesses, facing into common challenges whilst operating across diverse regions and nations.

Jane Pendlebury, Chief Executive Officer, HOSPA
Jane Pendlebury is a successful and well-known personality within the worldwide hospitality arena, her career has been dedicated to hospitality. Ambition and enthusiasm have resulted in high achievements and recognition in the field. Jane ran the Membership and Events office for HOSPA from 2014-2016 before being promoted to CEO. Her involvement in HOSPA (previously BAHA) started many years ago as a Member and a Corporate Gold Sponsor. Jane has been part of the operations team for HOSPACE since 2010.

Sudheer Sharma, CEO, PT Trustees
Sudheer has been a qualified Chartered Accountant for over 35 years and has worked for some of the largest accountancy practices of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse which led to postings in London and the Netherlands. He is an expert in the field of Trusts and Escrow arrangements involving the protection of Consumer and other funds and he has managed a large number of Trusts. In that period Sudheer has expanded the range of Trust and Escrow services provided by PT Trustees for business sectors encompassing Travel (Flight and Non-Flight), Gift Cards & Vouchers, Festivals, Airlines and Acquirer protection vehicles, amongst others.

Simon Gray, Head of Business, ICAEW
Simon is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, who qualified with KPMG in Nottingham. After many years of volunteering, including District Society President, Chair of the Business Committee and Council Member, he joined ICAEW as Head of Business in December 2021. His background is in the recruitment, careers, membership and inward investment sectors. Simon has started and run his own businesses and served as a Non-Executive Director.