Bob Cotton has now come to the end of the line as chairman of the National Skills Academy and, in view of the integration plans, David Fairhurst, chairman of People 1st, has been appointed executive chairman of the National Skills Academy. He will oversee the changes and the development of a new strategy which will be launched later in the year. David McHattie, the chief executive, will be leaving the National Skills Academy for Hospitality to focus on and further develop the Academy endorsed Hospitality Benchmark brand. Fairhurst commented: "I would like to thank Bob Cotton, David McHattie and everyone who has contributed to the development phase of the National Skills Academy for Hospitality. It is now the right time and environment to plan for its future success. I look forward to sharing exciting plans with the industry in the autumn." Cotton added: "The team led by David McHattie has developed a trusted brand which identifies excellent solutions for industry. This integration with the resources of People 1st will allow the brand to grow and add even greater value for the industry that we exist to serve."