Suzanne Weekes joins AFWS

Suzanne Weekes has become executive director of The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS), the professional body for front-of-house service

Suzanne’s appointment comes as the AFWS strives to create a workforce package in partnership with selected education establishments in order to further improve the awareness of hospitality industry a viable career choice.

As well as extending the support network given to the industry by AFWS, Suzanne will also be working on the Restaurant Manager of the Year awards and UK Sommelier of the Year awards. In addition, Suzanne’s role also encompasses working for Hospitality and Leisure Manpower (HALM), which offers the Gold Service Scholarship as well as education, training and development for both employees and employers in the industry.

Suzanne brings a wealth of experience to her new role at AFWS, which will enable her to further develop how the hospitality industry is perceived as a career option, through supporting employees already working in hospitality as well as those who are looking to enter the sector.

Suzanne has spent the last 23 years shaping the careers of students at the University of West London, where she was a course leader in Hospitality and International Hotel Management. With a passion for food and beverage, Suzanne has co-authored leading textbooks in the field including Food and Beverage Service for Levels One and Two, Food and Beverage Service, Dynamic Learning e-learning platform and is a contributing author to The Theory of Catering. Prior to this, Suzanne has also worked at Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Ladbroke Hotels.

The AFWS offers advice and training in order to raise standards across the industry. The support of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), has given the AFWS the opportunity to maximise awareness across the industry.

Tim Hulme, chief executive of BII, comments: “Suzanne’s appointment marks the start of an exciting time for AFWS and BII as we look to further enhance our offering to those within the industry and those seeking to join it. Suzanne’s rare and varied background is invaluable and will transform the network of support we are able to offer our members.”

20 July 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor