Booth will now concentrate on his chairmanship within the PACE network (Professional Association for Catering Education), alongside a number of other projects.

Gary Hunter, head of faculty for hospitality and culinary arts will continue to manage the school.

Booth said: “As I look back on what has been an incredible journey here at Westminster Kingsway, I am proud to have played a part in growing this great institution. The School of Hospitality & Business Enterprise in Vincent Square is now poised to benefit from the stunning refurbishment of the Centre, and the experience and dedication of the people striving within it.

“I am certain that Gary Hunter, and the remarkable team around him, will continue to make exceptional things happen. As I move on to explore new opportunities in the world of food and hospitality, I wish everyone at Westminster Kingsway College the best of success in the future.”

Hunter added: “I have worked closely with Geoff for the Hospitality team throughout his tenure at Westminster Kingsway College. We are all sorry to see him leave the corporation but he will always be part of our inspiring family. Geoff entrusts a formidable legacy, which I will continue to sustain and develop for the benefit of our alumni, future students and the hospitality industry.”

Booth joined Westminster Kingsway College in 2004 and during that time the number of students to the chef and restaurant service diplomas has doubled in size and part-time students trebled.

He also developed a commercial element to all training programmes across the Hospitality portfolio valued at around £1m. This commercial acumen resulted in the development of a series of Realistic Work Environments, including the student Atrium cafe, the Vincent Rooms Restaurant as well as building a banqueting trade operated by staff and students.

Andy Wilson, principal at Westminster Kingsway College and CEO designate of CLCG - the City & Islington and Westminster Kingsway Colleges Group, said: “Geoff Booth has led the School of Hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College for almost 12 years.  During that time the College has reinforced its position at the forefront of training for the hospitality sector in London, the UK and internationally.  

“Geoff has worked tirelessly on behalf of the College and, more widely, across hospitality training, to ensure we continue to provide what generations of recruits need to succeed in the industry and employers with the skilled workforce required to sustain their business”.