Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) has been appointed chair of the new National Skills Academy for Hospitality.

Cotton’s appointment follows the government’s sign-off on 7 May of the People 1st business plan to launch the academy, which will draw in £100m of government investment for the 66,000 additional learners it will provide for the industry.

The academy bid was coordinated by People 1st, along with partners such as Barcelo Hotels, Compass Group, Terry Laybourne and the Edge Foundation.

People 1st chief executive Brian Wisdom said: “We are delighted to announce Bob’s appointment as chair of the National Skills Academy. He has demonstrated his absolute commitment to improving skills for the hospitality industry.

“People 1st and its partners have attracted a massive amount of funding, which will now be put into training for hospitality, and we look forward to working with Bob to ensure that the academy delivers for our industry.”

When the £100m worth of funding was announced, skills minister David Lammy said: “Hospitality is a vibrant and dynamic industry that plays a key and growing role in the success of the UK. The government is committed to supporting the sector as it strives to improve and renew its skills base.

“This new academy will not only help the industry stay competitive, but will enable thousands of people to gain the skills and confidence to build successful and rewarding careers.”