A new principal has been appointed to run the Edge Hotel School, the first hotel school of its kind in the UK, based at the 4 star Wivenhoe House at Colchester Campus.

Andrew Boer, who has many years of experience in both the hospitality industry and in higher education, will take-up his post in September. He is currently the Associate Dean in the School of Tourism at Bournemouth University, responsible for the Hospitality and Retail Group.

In his previous role at the university, as Head of Partnerships and International Development, Andrew developed relationships with many hotel schools across the world. He also has extensive external examiner experience, nationally and internationally and has been responsible for academic standards as well as ensuring high student satisfaction in his own teaching.

On joining the Edge Hotel School, Andrew said: "The innovative and professional approach the Edge Hotel School offers is raising the bar when it comes to higher education for the hospitality industry. The hotel school is developing the next generation of hospitality leaders and I am thrilled to become a part of this unique institution and help shape the future for both the students and the industry as a whole."

Todd Landman, Chair of the Edge Hotel School Limited Board, said: "We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Edge Hotel School. He brings with him a wealth of experience in both education and hospitality and his passion for both will contribute immensely to the future success of the school."

The Edge Hotel School equips its degree students with the professional and managerial skills, as well as the academic theory, to prepare them for their future careers as leaders in the industry. Offering students a fast-track, two-year intensive Hotel Management degree, from the University of Essex, it allows them to experience the realities of life working in the hospitality industry.

ENDS

Notes to editors
For press queries, please contact the University of Essex Communications Office on telephone: 01206 872400, e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.

About the Edge Hotel School
The first hotel school of its kind in the UK, the Edge Hotel School, equips its degree students with the professional and managerial skills, as well as the academic theory, to prepare them for their future careers as leaders in the industry. Offering students a fast-track, two-year intensive Hotel Management degree, from the University of Essex, it allows them to experience the realities of life working in the hospitality industry.
Edge Hotel School Limited is a company with charitable objects to deliver higher education in hotel management and hospitality. For more information contact Heather Leathley on hleath@essex.ac.uk