David Fairhurst, recently voted Human Resources magazine's most influential HR practitioner for the second year running, has been appointed as chairman of People 1st, the sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry.

David is senior vice president, chief people officer at McDonald's Restaurants Ltd, UK & Northern Europe, with responsibility for the delivery of HR, training, education, customer services and environmental strategy at McDonald's.

During his time at McDonald's, David has pioneered innovative new people programmes, offering employees nationally recognised transferable qualifications, culminating in the introduction of Apprenticeships in 2009.

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: "I can't think of a better qualified person to take over as chairman of People 1st. Not only has David been closely involved with the organisation for a number of years, McDonald's is an exemplar of training and developing its people."

David will succeed Don Davenport who becomes president of People 1st in recognition of his significant commitment to the organization over many years and his continuing dedication to improving skills, training and education in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, commented: "David's succession to the position of chairman, after two years as vice-chairman, sets a new focus on our ambitious development programme to transform skills as we approach the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He has impeccable credentials and significant experience in developing people-focused agendas and is passionate in his commitment to the development of qualifications and training. His leadership will be of enormous benefit to People 1st."

Brian continued: "I would like to pay tribute to Don whose expertise, knowledge and contacts helped to establish People 1st with a clear strategic focus to deliver solutions for employers in its formative years. He also played a crucial role in guiding us through our relicensing process earlier this year and we will all continue to welcome his involvement in his new role."

David Fairhurst said: "The hospitality sector, with its job creation and continued investment in training, is showing the rest of the country how to emerge from the downturn. More than that, it is the key industrial platform for social mobility in Britain today, providing a genuine meritocracy for people development.

"As Chairman of People 1st, I will use my experience to accelerate and increase the qualifications available to entrants to the sector so that individuals benefit from the considerable opportunities it offers. A more skilled workforce will be essential to take advantage of the growth opportunity offered by London 2012 and to ensure hospitality and tourism continues to be a huge driver of our economy."