The University of Nottingham’s Amanda Pettingill has been announced as the new Vice-Chair of TUCO, the leading professional membership body for in-house caterers.

Having joined the TUCO Board in 2015, Amanda has an abundance of experience within the catering industry including work within contract catering, hotels, sport and the education sectors.

Her current role at the university is Catering, Hospitality & Conferencing Director.

Amanda’s experience includes the management of major event venues for a commercial contract caterer and working as an in-house service provider within Higher Education for 14 years, previously within University of Wolverhampton and more recently within the University of Nottingham as Catering, Hospitality & Conferencing Director.

Speaking of the appointment, Amanda said: “As a longstanding member of the TUCO Board I am delighted to have been appointed as Vice Chair of TUCO by my fellow colleagues.

This appointment will enable me to further support the current Chair Phil Rees-Jones, CEO Mike Haslin, the Board and members of TUCO. Phil and I will work closely, utilising our considerable expertise from inside and outside of the sector, to further enhance and develop TUCO’s strategy for the future, alongside our members.

I am very grateful for everyone’s endorsement within TUCO and the support of the University of Nottingham enabling my appointment.”

Amanda Pettingill

Amanda’s portfolio also includes management of student Halls accommodation and catering services. In addition, Amanda is responsible for a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Nottingham’s hotel and conferencing business.

Following a strategic review, a new catering Strategy has recently been launched across Halls, Bars, Retail and Delivered revenue streams with a market-led approach whilst focusing on staff engagement and development, due to the ongoing hospitality recruitment crisis.

Amanda’s relationship with TUCO commenced following the TUCO Summer Conference held at University of Cambridge and continued via engagement at regional meetings.

Amanda later became the Regional Chair for the South and Midlands and joined the TUCO Board in 2015 as a Non-Executive Director. She is a longstanding advocate of TUCO and the values of the organisation.