The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has announced today that David McHattie is stepping down as chief executive and will be replaced by Kate Nicholls.
David is taking up a position on the ALMR’s advisory council from the end of September. It coincides with his move to the north of England to develop his pub operation, the Devonshire Arms in Baslow, Derbyshire, and a desire to develop more sites.
He will be replaced with immediate effect by Kate who has been working with the ALMR for 17 years and is currently strategic affairs director.
Appointed chief executive in April last year, David has been responsible for not only growing the core membership but introducing foodservice pubs and casual dining into the ALMR with the recruitment of Tragus, Carluccio’s, Brasserie Blanc and Red Hot World Buffet among others in the last few months.
He said: “As a council member, I will be able to represent the interests of food-focused businesses within our sector, whether casual-dining restaurants or traditional pubs and bars offering a high-quality food experience.
“My personal circumstances have changed and I am relishing the opportunity to move north with my partner and remain in this industry which we all love.
“The ALMR is in a position to finally become the united voice that licensed hospitality retailers deserve. I hope I have helped in developing the ALMR and look forward to continuing to do so.”
ALMR chairman Steve Richards said: “David leaves the executive of the association in a much stronger position with a breadth of membership that now spans all sectors. I am delighted at David’s continued involvement on the council as we continue to grow the representation of food-led businesses.”
Kate began working as a consultant to the ALMR in 1997 while she was director at the UK’s largest independent public affairs and PR agency, Politics International. She became head of communications in 2002 before being appointed to the role of strategic affairs director in 2010 and the ALMR board in 2013. Before joining the ALMR, she worked in the House of Commons and the European Parliament and at Whitbread as government relations manager.
In a statement, the board said: “Kate brings 20 years’ of experience with her of the sector and an unrivalled insight into politics and public affairs. Her appointment retains the ALMR’s consistent, individual and effective voice and we are really looking forward to continuing to work with her.”
Kate added: “I am honoured to be given this opportunity to represent our dynamic and vibrant industry. I have enjoyed working with David, the board and our membership over the past year to drive forward a new and ambitious agenda for the ALMR and relish the challenge of delivering a strong, united and robust voice for licensed hospitality.”
