Byatt, a protégé of Ritz executive chef and Michelin star holder John Williams MBE, will take over the role as chair of RACA as John Williams who has held the role of chair for 20 years steps up into the role of president. Williams will take over from Brian Turner CBE, who will assume the role of honorary president of the organisation.

Byatt commented: “I am honoured to be taking on the role of chair at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. The Academy is a highly prestigious institution which helps, educates, and inspires young professionals in the hospitality profession. I was once one of those young chefs and was given an opportunity which changed the trajectory of my life.

“I was inspired by the Academy and mentored and guided by those who have helped to run this organisation. Now I have a fundamental part to play, and it feels as if a circle of my career has been completed. I am indebted to all of those who have placed their trust in me. I would like to thank Brian Turner, our new honorary president.

“I am also hugely grateful to John Williams, who has steered this mighty ship for two decades and has been instrumental in shaping who we are today. I am proud to say that he also shaped my career – John and I met many years ago, when I trained with him at Claridge’s.

“I have been given a golden opportunity to steer the Academy into the next leg of its journey, and to help improve its impact on the wider industry. As someone who is passionate about improving education for young professionals in hospitality, this will be my main area of focus.”

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, michelin-starred chef of Northcote hotel in Lancashire and The Stafford in London, will take up the role as co-deputy chair (North). Gary Jones, previously head chef at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, will be the co-deputy chair (South).

Mark Flanagan LVO, Royal chef and Assistant to the Master, Master of the Household's Department, takes up the role of chair of sustainability.