ASAP appoints new chairman

The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) – the not-for-profit trade body for the serviced apartment sector – has announced that Richard Whittaker, director of Supplier Management (EMEA) at Oakwood Worldwide, has been appointed its new chairman.

Whittaker has held the position of deputy chairman of the Association since September 2016 and takes over as Chairman from 16 February 2017, succeeding Don James, MD of Berkshire Rooms, who has held the position for the last two years.

James Foice, CEO of the ASAP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Richard as our new Chairman of the Association.  Richard’s passion for our serviced apartment sector along with his very considerable experience, having held senior positions in the industry for the last 17 years, will be a tremendous asset to the ASAP.  He has been a very strong advocate of the Association since he first joined the industry and has been actively involved since being elected to our Steering Committee in 2015.  Richard’s leadership will be particularly instrumental to the Association at this time as we continue our global expansion, with the further rollout of our Quality Accreditation Programme internationally.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Don James for the fantastic contribution which Don has made as ASAP Chairman over the last 2 years.  We are enormously indebted to Don whose leadership and vision has enabled the Association to expand significantly and consolidate our position as the voice of the serviced apartment industry.”