United Kingdom

Kevin hails from South Africa and has over 35 years’ experience in the Interiors sector.

He began his professional studies in Interior Design, but intrigue in Shoe Design took him to Milan where he did his training at the world-renowned school of shoe and handbag design, Arsutoria Milano. He went on to design for a leading shoe manufacturer. However, his love of Interior Design took over, and after 5 years he took the challenge and launched his own Interior Design business in a humble studio above a Classic Car showroom…which launched a successful business and saw him completing numerous large residential and hospitality projects in South Africa and the UK.

During this time he realised that although his passion was creative, his strength was in communication and project management, and so when he relocated to the UK in 2005 (in search of good weather…!) it was a natural progression into business development and the Hospitality supply sector, is where he has found his niche.

Kevin’s strength in leadership and management, along with his passion for good design has allowed him to build relationship with leading Interior design studios and to be involved with the design, manufacture and supply of interior furnishings in numerous 4 and 5 star Hotels globally … something he does not take for granted.

“I cherish the ongoing relationships I have established in my career, which carry me from one project to the next. I have learned to value the mentor figures that have been involved in my life, and now to hopefully do the same for the next generation. Don’t ever forget where you came from and make sure you laugh and have fun (and a few glasses of wine) whilst doing so.”

Rita has worked in international marketing for over 35 years, holding senior roles with leading brands including Brintons and Hanson. Today she runs Bancmarketing, her own independent strategic marketing consultancy business she set up in 2011. She works with interior brands across all product sectors, including wallcoverings, fabrics, flooring, and beds. As well as writing for the interior design press, she enjoys creating her monthly marketing insights feature for the Stocklists, UK’s largest retail flooring magazine. Rita is also Brand Ambassador and regular features writer for Design Insider, the publication arm of Commercial Interiors UK.

Rita began her career after winning the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Young Marketeer of the Year in 1987. So, understands first-hand the value of student awards. She said “the NEWH is an amazing organization that not only makes a positive difference to the students we support, but also those of us who volunteer, as doing good creates the best feel good factor ever.”

Chrissie studied Art History at Warwick University and started her career at Bonham’s Auction House, in their flagship store in London.

Wanting a more hands on creative role, Chrissie moved to an Art Consultancy position in the Hospitality Industry, and has since worked alongside Interior Designers across a broad spectrum of International projects, from High End Hotels and Cruise Liners through to Spas, Care Homes, and Pubs and Restaurants.

With 15 years’ experience, Chrissie is now an Associate at Indigo Art Ltd, which offers both Art Consultancy and a Fulfilment service; from its large manufacturing facility in the Wirral. Her role is to oversee the creative development of all projects she manages, from initial concept stage to on site installation.

After 5 years on the board in a variety of different roles from Secretary to Marketing Assistant and Director of Programming and Events, Chrissie is excited to be moving into the Vice-President role as a shared position with Rita Bancroft

Chrissie studied Art History at Warwick University and started her career at Bonham’s Auction House, in their flagship store in London.

Wanting a more hands on creative role, Chrissie moved to an Art Consultancy position in the Hospitality Industry, and has since worked alongside Interior Designers across a broad spectrum of International projects, from High End Hotels and Cruise Liners through to Spas, Care Homes, and Pubs and Restaurants.

With 15 years’ experience, Chrissie is now an Associate at Indigo Art Ltd, which offers both Art Consultancy and a Fulfilment service; from its large manufacturing facility in the Wirral. Her role is to oversee the creative development of all projects she manages, from initial concept stage to on site installation.

After 5 years on the board in a variety of different roles from Secretary to Marketing Assistant and Director of Programming and Events, Chrissie is excited to be moving into the Vice-President role as a shared position with Rita Bancroft

High-end Hospitality London designer working on large project based in the Asia-Pacific region, with demonstrated experience in Residential design in Italy.

Proud member of the NEWH UK Chapter Board of Directors, joined as a Scholarship Winner (2021), worked as Secretary & Internet Communications Chair (2022/23), now part of the Scholarship team as Student Relations Director (2024/25)!

Royal College or Art MA graduate & Middlesex University graduate in BA (Hons) Interior Design & Winner of the Interior Velocity 2020 with “Sense of Space”.

As one of the NEWH UK 2021 Scholarship winner, Emily has been very impressed with the NEWH UK Chapter’s work and support for students so she decided to get involved too from the very beginning since 2021, firstly just helping with Social Media and quickly progressing through. At the beginning of 2022 becoming Scholarships Chair while helping out with social media as a personal passion. In 2023, she accepted a positions as NEWH UK Chapter Secretary, as well as retaining the title of Internet Communications Chair.

In 2024, she proudly accepted the position of Student Relations Director!

Rita has worked in international marketing for over 35 years, holding senior roles with leading brands including Brintons and Hanson. Today she runs Bancmarketing, her own independent strategic marketing consultancy business she set up in 2011. She works with interior brands across all product sectors, including wallcoverings, fabrics, flooring, and beds. As well as writing for the interior design press, she enjoys creating her monthly marketing insights feature for the Stocklists, UK’s largest retail flooring magazine. Rita is also Brand Ambassador and regular features writer for Design Insider, the publication arm of Commercial Interiors UK.

Rita began her career after winning the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Young Marketeer of the Year in 1987. So, understands first-hand the value of student awards. She said “the NEWH is an amazing organization that not only makes a positive difference to the students we support, but also those of us who volunteer, as doing good creates the best feel good factor ever.”

Chrissie studied Art History at Warwick University and started her career at Bonham’s Auction House, in their flagship store in London.

Wanting a more hands on creative role, Chrissie moved to an Art Consultancy position in the Hospitality Industry, and has since worked alongside Interior Designers across a broad spectrum of International projects, from High End Hotels and Cruise Liners through to Spas, Care Homes, and Pubs and Restaurants.

With 15 years’ experience, Chrissie is now an Associate at Indigo Art Ltd, which offers both Art Consultancy and a Fulfilment service; from its large manufacturing facility in the Wirral. Her role is to oversee the creative development of all projects she manages, from initial concept stage to on site installation.

After 5 years on the board in a variety of different roles from Secretary to Marketing Assistant and Director of Programming and Events, Chrissie is excited to be moving into the Vice-President role as a shared position with Rita Bancroft

Having worked in hotel, resort and branded residences development projects in over 20 countries, Paul now works with sanitary ware manufacturer Kaldewei as International Projects Manager, Hotels. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Kaldewei and this has driven his passion and interest in all aspects of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Previous experience includes working for hotel brands such as a Wyndham Group company to 10 years running his own hospitality development advisory company.

His breath of experience enables both holistic and detailed understanding of the rapidly growing connectivity, accountability and value opportunities of sustainability in the hospitality development chain.

Before leisure property, Paul held senior commercial roles at a leading UK database marketing agency and a global consumer lifestyle data and consumer analytics company.

Away from work, Paul is a keen rugby supporter, tennis player and he also runs a not-for-profit taxi service for his two teenage sons.

Catherine’s career in the hospitality design industry began with the Ulster graduate scheme in 2019. Shortly after joining Ulster, she was offered an exciting secondment opportunity at the company’s London-based studio in Clerkenwell.

However, six months into her secondment, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Catherine completed a Postgraduate Diploma in International Marketing with Distinction.

Catherine is currently a Contract Sales Executive at Ulster Carpets. Working out of their London office to foster relationships with key clients, architects, designers, and other professionals involved in hospitality projects across the UK.

Catherine joined NEWH in 2023 as the Publications Chair. After attending Top ID Catherine experienced the welcoming environment that is NEWH, she was determined to immerse herself fully within the industry.

This year, Catherine took on the role of NEWH Marketing Director for the UK Chapter and is excited to continue making a meaningful impact and contributing to NEWH’s success and growth in 2025 and beyond.

In her spare time, Catherine is a keen runner, leading local mental health focused running club in her area and is currently training for her third marathon.

Rita has worked in international marketing for over 35 years, holding senior roles with leading brands including Brintons and Hanson. Today she runs Bancmarketing, her own independent strategic marketing consultancy business she set up in 2011. She works with interior brands across all product sectors, including wallcoverings, fabrics, flooring, and beds. As well as writing for the interior design press, she enjoys creating her monthly marketing insights feature for the Stocklists, UK’s largest retail flooring magazine. Rita is also Brand Ambassador and regular features writer for Design Insider, the publication arm of Commercial Interiors UK.

Rita began her career after winning the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Young Marketeer of the Year in 1987. So, understands first-hand the value of student awards. She said “the NEWH is an amazing organization that not only makes a positive difference to the students we support, but also those of us who volunteer, as doing good creates the best feel good factor ever.”

Joanna has recently joined the NEWH UK Chapter as a Student Representative. Joanna is a final year International Hospitality and Tourism Management student completing her undergraduate degree in Gloucester. Originally from Mid-Wales Joanna’s first experience in hospitality was a part time job in a golf club at the age of 15, during her studies she has worked part time in hotel establishments where she found her passion. Joanna has a love for the customer facing roles that she has taken on within her jobs. In her free time Joanna enjoys being outside as much as possible with running, walking and any sports that gets her moving and also loves baking.

In 2019, Lynn was welcomed into the NEWH College of Fellows; an honour bestowed on NEWH members who have made notable contributions to the Hospitality Industry and demonstrated commitment to NEWH.

Lynn has been involved within the commercial world of Fabrics /Interior Design for over 35 years. Her expertise started with Theatre Design through to Interior Design, dealing with – Interior Design, Presentations, Budgets, Negotiations, Project Management, all the commercial aspects of running a business.

She changed careers, to work in Sales of fabric for the Contract sector, working for Sanderson, Nobilis, Sinclaire and Clarke & Clarke. Her knowledge of commerce has been beneficial to working with the Designers, Hoteliers, Contractors and Purchasing Agents
After Clarke & Clarke was purchased by Walker Greenbank plc., she was again working on the contract side, with the Sanderson brand, under the umbrella of Style Library – Zoffany US – as it is known in the USA.

It was during her time at Nobilis that she became a member of the NEWH UK a newly formed chapter outside the USA. Having served as UK President twice, in 2019 she was honoured with becoming a Fellow of the NEWH UK.

Hamish Kilburn, Owner and Director of Kilburn Communications, is a respected voice in the design and hospitality industries. Formerly the Editor of Hotel Designs and Features Editor of SPACE Magazine, Kilburn has built a career around storytelling, thought leadership, and connecting industry pioneers.

As the host of two series of Marriott Bonvoy’s acclaimed podcast, Travel By Design, Kilburn showcased his expertise and influence by engaging with globally renowned interior designers, architects, and hospitality visionaries across various platforms – on stage, in print, and on screen.

Kilburn Communications specialises in amplifying compelling brand narratives. The PR and marketing agency creates personable networking opportunities and bridges connections between interior designers, architects, hoteliers, brands and developers worldwide. With roots in 24 years of industry experience, the company has emerged as a market disruptor, offering tailored PR, marketing, and business development solutions that stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

Having worked in hotel, resort and branded residences development projects in over 20 countries, Paul now works with sanitary ware manufacturer Kaldewei as International Projects Manager, Hotels. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Kaldewei and this has driven his passion and interest in all aspects of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Previous experience includes working for hotel brands such as a Wyndham Group company to 10 years running his own hospitality development advisory company.

His breath of experience enables both holistic and detailed understanding of the rapidly growing connectivity, accountability and value opportunities of sustainability in the hospitality development chain.

Before leisure property, Paul held senior commercial roles at a leading UK database marketing agency and a global consumer lifestyle data and consumer analytics company.

Away from work, Paul is a keen rugby supporter, tennis player and he also runs a not-for-profit taxi service for his two teenage sons.