David McKown MBE, FIH

David McKown

David McKown has been specially selected by the Head Judge (Rod Bowker) to be an expert judge for the Matchday Hospitality Awards. This judge has been chosen based upon their extensive knowledge and involvement in both the chef and hospitality industries, with over 40 years extensive experience and a passion for driving up standards. Please see their biography details below:

Biography

An MBE is the latest in a long list of achievements for David McKown during his career in hospitality training and education.

After joining the University in 1992 he guided his department to Investors in People accreditation in 1995 and more recently the Customer First Standard in 2011.

In 1998, he created the internationally-renowned Skills for Chefs Conference which takes place every summer at our University.

In 2004, he received a Cost Sector Catering Award for the university/college sector.

In 2011, David became a Director of University Hospitality Seminars Ltd., a company that designs, organises and delivers training for staff working in higher education institutions across the UK. David has lectured at a wide range of institutions in England, Scotland and Wales.

David was awarded Honorary Membership of the Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB) in 2012 having developed and supported the organisation since in 2012, David also created the annual national competition UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year, a vehicle to help young people carve a career in the hospitality industry.

David received a Catey Award for Education and Training in 2015. The Cateys are regarded as the industry Oscars.
He also became a Director of College and University Business Officers in 2016 advising the board on the strategic development and implementation of training programmes for the sector. David is also a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.

David sits on the Craft Guild of Chefs, Committee of Management and Chairs their Education and Training Committee.

Qualifications & Key Positions
1982: OND Hotel and Catering Operations
1986: HCIMA Professional Qualifications
1990: Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate
Chef & Food Production Manager 1982 -1986: Great Universal Stores
Hotel & Catering Industry Training Board 1986 – 1992: Instructor, Assessor and Consultant
The University of Sheffield: Training and Quality Manager: 1992 – to present day