HIT Scotland has welcomed three respected industry figures to our Board of trustees.

We are strengthening our Board of industry stalwarts with the addition of Richard Mayne, General Manager of Edinburgh’s Radisson Blu Hotel, Claire Gamble, the Executive Director of Sales for Entertainment, Media, and Luxury at Dakota Hotels, and Director of Traveltech at Edinburgh Futures Institute, Joshua Ryan-Saha.

The new trustees will harness years of experience to further our vision of advancing Scotland’s hospitality industry through the provision of scholarships that develop and nurture professional talent.

David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said “Richard, Claire and Joshua each bring a diverse and valuable skillset to the Board. With big ambitions for HIT Scotland’s future, it is a pleasure to have their vast experience and knowledge at our disposal.”

Richard Mayne is the Cluster General Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel & Radisson Collection in Edinburgh, a position he has held since July 2015. With over two decades of experience in hotel management, Richard has extensive knowledge of hotel operations and has acted as a mentor for many young professionals.

Richard said: “HIT Scotland’ s commitment to supporting emerging talent in Scotland strongly aligns with my vision for the industry. I’m looking forward to working with the other trustees to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals.:

The Executive Director of Sales at Dakota Hotels, Claire Gamble specialises in luxury hospitality sales, brand excellence and client relations. Having previously held senior positions in prestigious venues including InterContinental Hotels Group and Malmaison & Hotel du Vin, Claire is exceptionally well-versed in what makes luxury hospitality brands succeed.

Claire said: “HIT Scotland is driven by collaboration, innovation and generosity of spirit, for which it is beloved by all in the industry. I am honoured to now be joining the Trustees and giving back to an organisation that has made an indelible impression on Scotland’s hospitality sector.”

Also joining as a trustee is Josh Ryan-Saha, Director of Traveltech, Tourism and Festivals at Edinburgh Futures Institute. An expert in AI applications for tourism, ecosystem development, and technology futures, Joshua is part of Scotland's Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group, where he advises on major AI-driven tourism strategies.

Joshua is passionate about equipping the modern workforce with the skills required to build a thriving, tech-enabled tourism sector.

He commented: “HIT Scotland has a strong vision for the future, and I am delighted to be able to share my expertise to further this. With my background in AI, I am looking forward to helping Scottish hospitality businesses navigate technological change responsibly and ensuring tech serves both operational needs and human experience.

HIT Scotland’s Board of trustees can be viewed here.

HIT Scotland strengthens Trustee Board with three industry stalwarts

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