Jenkins will oversee all of the academy's initiatives including their annual apprenticeship programme working with catering colleges, the Annual Awards of Excellence, The Master of Culinary Arts awards and the academy's registered charity Adopt A School.

Speaking of the appointment, Jenkins said: "It is a privilege to take up the role of chief executive for the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, it's an honour to have the opportunity to shape the future of the association but also to continue the exemplary work of Sara Jayne Stanes.

"I'm excited about what the academy and its members can share and develop alongside the industry. I want to create a more diverse and inclusive membership and look at how we can work more collaboratively with the hospitality sector on a wider scale.”

Jenkins will work closely alongside the academy's trustees to forge a new future for the 43 year-old organisation. 

John Williams MBE, who has been involved with the academy for 35 years, commented: “I am absolutely thrilled that Lisa will join the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts as chief executive. It’s a great opportunity to evolve the work of the Academy, shaping its future whilst developing the next generation of the hospitality industry’s talented professionals.”  

David Coubrough will step down as chair of the board of governors after a six-year term, but will continue as chair of the board of trustees of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School.

Bill Toner, chief executive of the hospitality and catering business CH&CO, succeeds Coubrough as chair of the board of governors and joins the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts board of trustees. The association's current managing director Richard Larkin will leave the association at the end of February to take up a new role.