New Chairman of Hospitality Standards Institute

9 April, 2002

New Chairman of Hospitality Standards Institute Board

Michael Friend has been appointed the new Chairman of the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) at its recent Annual General Meeting.

The HSI is the industry-training organisation for the hospitality industry, developing national qualifications and setting standards in consultation with the industry for workplace based training.

Michael Friend has 30 years experience in the hospitality industry, starting as a management trainee with Lion Nathan in the 1970's and working his way through to senior management roles. He has spent time in the hospitality industry in Australia and more recently was CEO of the Loaded Hog Group. He is currently a hospitality management consultant and business broker.

Michael Friend says it is an exciting time to be in the hospitality industry.

"There are great opportunities for well-trained and highly motivated individuals, both here and in Australia."

"The continuing strong growth in tourism is creating real opportunities in the hospitality industry, with restaurants, hotels, bars and catering businesses all needing well-trained and professional staff."

Michael Friend says the introduction of speciality qualifications funded and promoted by the businesses wanting them, such as barista (the art of coffee making), tap beer service techniques and a high-level food and beverage qualification, shows an industry in confident expansion mode with a new quality focus.

"The HSI has gone from strength to strength in the last five years, and I want to continue to provide the leadership that will take it to the next level. One of our objectives is to have the HSI training programme recognised as world class, both in New Zealand and internationally", he said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media