News

Julie enters a hall of fame

Published 25 June 2012

Julie Barker, the University of Brighton's head of Accommodation and Hospitality Services, has been inducted into a hall of fame.

Julie has been named as among the top 100 influential women in the country in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry by People 1st, the sector skills council.

This is the second national accolade Julie has received – last year she was named along with chef Jamie Oliver as among the top 20 most influential people in the world of public sector catering by Cost Sector Catering, the food service industry magazine, which described Julie as "inspirational" in tackling sustainability, lower CO2 emissions and in improving the nation's health.

People 1st has now inducted Julie into its Women 1st Top 100 Club, a who's who of the most influential women in the industry, which includes Delia Smith CBE and University of Brighton alumnus Jill McDonald, Chief Executive and President, McDonald's UK and President, Northern Division, McDonald's Europe.

People 1st designed the list to "showcase the impact and influence of women within these industries and create, for the first time ever, clear and visible role models for aspiring female leaders in the sector".

Member of Women Top 100 Women Club

People 1st said: “Julie has led her team to develop accommodation and conference solutions in a competitive market, generating £15 million of income for the university.

"In July 2011, Julie was elected as managing director of The University Caterers Organisation Ltd, the leading professional organisation representing the hospitality sector in higher and further education. Earlier this year she was awarded the Food Service Merit Award by the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association."

Julie said: "I am honoured to find myself rubbing shoulders with some of the giants in the industry but I would like to think that this is partly a reflection of the hard work everyone at the University of Brighton is dedicating to improving quality, standards and the student experience."