Peter Bramich, dirctor and general manager of Deans Place country hotel and restaurant in Alfriston, East Sussex, has taken over the presidency of the Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA).

Bramich was elected in May 2005 and now takes over from Robin Morden, head of sales costing for Compass Group UK & Ireland.

“I feel very privileged to be the president of the HCIMA at such an exciting and critical time for the association,” said Bramich.

“As president, my main aim will be to see through the necessary changes to take the HCIMA forward, resulting from the Association’s Strategic Review in 2005.

“I am keen to ensure we maintain the momentum, as well as continue to make the HCIMA a recognised and even more valued association for the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry across the globe.

“The requirements of the profession lie at the heart of the HCIMA’s strategy. The HCIMA is currently developing a new framework of management qualifications for the profession, which is scheduled to be launched in the autumn. This exciting development will enable association members and industry professionals to participate in a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that will build into qualifications that are ‘fit for purpose’ and meet the rigorous standards of excellence associated with the HCIMA.”

Bramich is also currently chair of the HCIMA’s Hospitable Climates Advisory Council – Hospitable Climates is energy efficiency advisory programme, managed by the HCIMA on behalf of the Carbon Trust.

Outgoing HCIMA president Robin Morden (right) hands over the presidential chain of office to Peter Bramich