Scotland’s hospitality industry took a giant leap forward yesterday as the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland officially launched its trailblazing Executive and Leadership Development Programmes at the iconic Mar Hall near Glasgow.
The event brought together over 100 of Scotland’s top hospitality leaders, united by a shared mission ‘to redefine what world-class leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing global hospitality landscape’.
The first-of-its-kind in Scotland, the initiative introduces a suite of high-impact, future-facing accelerator programmes – built by the industry, for the industry. Designed to arm senior leaders and executives with cutting-edge skills, strategic insight and real-world agility, the programmes will explore critical areas including strategic leadership, AI, cyber security, finance, marketing and sales growth, and next-generation operational leadership.
Built on extensive industry research undertaken by HIT Scotland in 2024 and its continued deep understanding of the evolving needs of hospitality leaders, this new initiative is not just about strengthening individual knowledge and capabilities, it’s about shaping a more resilient, innovative, and future-ready Scottish hospitality sector.
Speaking at the event, HIT Scotland Programme Director, Dave Allen, said;
“By combining world-class expertise, rich content, and applied learning, the Executive and Leadership Programmes launching in 2026 will tackle some of the sector’s biggest challenges while preparing leaders for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We’re blending global best practice with local and sector-specific insight, showcasing the very best of Scottish hospitality, and delivering immersive, experiential learning opportunities that, ordinarily, money simply can’t buy.
These are more than just a collection of programmes – they are a catalyst for cultural change, sparking inspiration and positioning our sector as a global beacon of excellence.”
Initial Programme Delivery Partners – including The Culture Builders, Mighty Atoms, Owendale Advisory, The Cyber and Fraud Centre, and Strathclyde Business School – were also on hand to preview their contributions, sharing early insights into how participants on their programmes will develop agility, strategic clarity and business confidence that goes far beyond the boardroom.
David Cochrane MBE, CEO of HIT Scotland, added: “The launch of our Executive and Leadership Programmes marks a landmark moment for Scottish hospitality. These aren’t box-ticking exercises – they’re immersive, hands-on learning experiences designed to create real and lasting change. Funded by the industry and shaped by its needs, this is a strategic investment in the people who will lead our sector forward both now and in the future.”
The introduction of the Executive and Leadership Programmes has been made possible through HIT Scotland’s long-standing partnership
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with the Crerar Trust, and further strengthened by support and contributions from other key industry partners across Scotland.
Tarquin de Burgh, representing The Crerar Trust, said: “The Crerar Trust has long been committed to advancing education and community development. HIT Scotland’s new Executive and Leadership Programmes are a powerful example of how we can enhance individual careers while fostering a culture of excellence that puts Scotland firmly on the global hospitality map. So, to the bold, the ambitious, and the next-gen leaders of Scottish hospitality – this is your moment. Step up and lead forward.”
This latest initiative complements HIT Scotland’s highly respected scholarship scheme, which supports more than 300 professionals annually, cementing the charity’s role as a trailblazer in talent development and sector innovation.
