The Hotel Marketing Association (HMA) has appointed Harry Fielder as its next Chair, succeeding Petra Clayton.

Fielder, Managing Director at Umi will chair the HMA for the next two years, having been a member and part of the committee for a significant part of his career in hotel marketing.

In his new role, Fielder will help grow the HMA, bringing his knowledge of ‘translating commercial challenges into creative and robust digital solutions.’ He is also keen to share his knowledge and insights across virtual and in-person industry events.

Fielder commented: “I have been very fortunate to have built relationships with and learned from some of the best marketing brains in the industry. I am excited to give back wherever I can by continuing to foster an innovative, open-minded, and engaged community of hotel marketers.”

He continued: “The speed at which marketing and technology is changing continues to be relentless. The channels through which we consume information and stay connected are changing. I am looking forward to continuing the fabulous work of previous chairs to create a vibrant and engaged community of hotel marketers and amazing properties across the UK.”

Harry will be supported by an executive committee of hotel marketing professionals who will continue to focus on training and development opportunities for the sector as well as the HMA hotel marketing awards.

Petra Clayton, CEO of PR company CUSTARD will step into the role of past chair and continue to support the HMA for 2023.

Clayton commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure to steer the HMA during what has been a very difficult period for the entire industry. I am excited to hand the baton to Harry Fielder who I know will drive HMA forward with his digital expertise and industry understanding. It is now time for us to further engage with a sector that must come together, professionalise, and grow again.”

Harry Fielder hosted the session 'How to cope with current challenges – revenue, qualified staff, digitalization & increasing costs' at Independent Hotel Show 2022, featuring panellists John Stevenson, Managing Director, ZeroProcure, Serena von der Heyde, Owner, Georgian House Hotel & Victorian House Hotel, Roddy Whiteford, Founder & Managing Director, Hotelfone and Florian Augustin, CCO, Hotel Partner.

Watch it on demand: