Catering Scotland

One of Scotland’s most recognisible faces in the hospitality industry is to retire after 30 years working for some of the sector’s biggest companies.

Gleneagles chairman Peter Lederer OBE announced his plans to step down this morning, having lead the transformation of the hotel from a seasonal golf resort into one of the world’s leading luxury hotels. In recent years he has played a broader leadership role for Diageo’s business in Scotland, representing the company on the CBI Scotland board and the Secretary of State for Scotland’s Business Board.

Commenting on his retirement plans, Peter (pictured) paid tribute to those he has worked with over the last three decades: ‘I have had a wonderful 30 years as part of Gleneagles Hotel and Diageo,’ he said.

‘It has been a privilege to be part of such great industry which is at the forefront of promoting Scotland on the world stage, and I would like to thank all of those I have worked with over that time and who made it such a rewarding and fulfilling career.

‘I would also like to thank all of those outside Diageo, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sector, who I have worked with. Anything I have achieved in my career has always been part of a team effort and I’m grateful for the support I have received along the way.’

Mr Lederer, who was instrumental in bringing The 2014 Ryder Cup to Gleneagles in September this year, ceded operational control of Gleneagles to Patrick Elsmie in the mid–2000s. He also led the establishment of the Diageo Learning for Life Scotland programme, a £5m initiative launched in January this year to help young unemployed people find training and job opportunities in the hospitality industry.

 www.gleneagles.com