Institute of Hospitality chief Robert Richardson awarded honorary doctorate by University of Wolverhampton

The chief executive of the global professional body for hospitality was recognised at the university’s summer graduation for his contribution to professional standards, education and inclusion in the sector.

Robert Richardson FIH MI, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Hospitality by the University of Wolverhampton. The degree was conferred during the university’s summer graduation ceremonies, held from 28 to 31 July 2026.

The Institute of Hospitality said the award recognises his contribution to the global hospitality sector, his leadership of the Institute and his work to advance professional standards, education and inclusion across the industry.

Why the university honoured Richardson

The honour was approved by the university’s Board of Governors and Academic Board. Richardson was nominated by Professor Roya Rahimi of the University of Wolverhampton, who also read his encomium at the ceremony, with support from Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Prashant Pillai MBE.

The relationship between the two organisations predates the award. In January 2023 the Institute accredited three of the university’s programmes for five years: the BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management, its Tourism Management degree and the Master’s in International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

In his graduation address, Richardson told graduates: “Life has a habit of taking you to places you never expected to be, but where you begin does not determine where you finish.”

Richardson’s career background

Richardson trained as a chef and spent 12 years as a hotel general manager, according to the university. His general manager roles included the Cave Hotel in Kent and The Grand in Folkestone.

He was active in the Institute before leading it. He received the Institute of Hospitality Judges’ Award in 2018 for his commitment to the professional body and became vice-chairman in September 2020. He was appointed Chief Executive in April 2021, succeeding Peter Ducker, who had led the Institute for eight years.

Since then he has added several academic and industry roles. In September 2025 he was named one of seven new Visiting Professors at Ulster University Business School. He was made an Honorary Master Innholder in October 2022, has received the Freedom of the City of London for services to hospitality, and lists himself as an expert panel member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modernising Employment.

The Institute of Hospitality

According to the University of Wolverhampton, the Institute represents more than 17,000 members worldwide and supports accreditation programmes across 24 countries. Its recent work on inclusion includes the launch of a free DEIB course for hospitality managers.

Richardson framed the doctorate as shared recognition. “This recognition is not simply a reflection of my own journey,” he said. “It belongs to the many colleagues, mentors, educators, volunteers and members who have supported, challenged and inspired me over the years.”

Why it matters

The award goes to the head of the sector’s professional body rather than to an individual operator, and links the Institute’s work on qualifications and standards with a university whose hospitality programmes it already accredits.

For Richardson, it adds an academic honour to a career that moved from hotel kitchens and general management to leading the profession’s membership body.