Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper is a seasoned professional with a strong background in operations and hospitality management. With a proven track record of driving business performance in fast-paced B2B and B2C service industries, he has held key leadership roles in renowned companies like Sodexo, Granada, Compass, and Whitbread. As the Operations Director for Premier Inn North, he successfully managed a £400m business with 7,000 employees, shaping operational strategy and achieving impressive results. Chris's experience spans general management, business development, and commercial management, emphasizing operational excellence across people, processes, and systems.

In his role as Divisional Managing Director for RA Hotels under Compass, Chris spearheaded the growth of a fine-dining brand, expanding revenue to over £35m within four years. He later joined Arora Group as MD of Excel Hospitality, where he played a pivotal role in developing a new operating model. Chris is currently the owner of The Village Inn in South Downs National Park, Petersfield, fulfilling his ambition to operate a SME in the hospitality sector and embracing the entrepreneurial challenges it brings.