Kelly Johnstone
Chief Operations Officer at Springboard & Chair of The Tourism and Hospitality Skills Group
Kelly is the dynamic leader at the helm of The Springboard Charity across the UK and Ireland. Previously the Director for Scotland, NI, Ireland and North England, a post she has held since 2014. She has driven remarkable growth and vastly improved the impact of the Springboard Charity improving the prospects for employment of tens of thousands of young people as well as unemployed or otherwise disadvantaged adults within hospitality and tourism, in so doing helping the industry raise its profile as an employer and access fresh talent. Her passion for the industry combined with a natural desire to help people, has meant Kelly’s influence has seen the charity flourish and win numerous awards. Kelly’s ethos is action orientated and getting things done, but is a stickler for quality, practicality, and collaboration – working closely with key partners from across the industry, government and other stakeholders. Prior to Springboard, Kelly spent 17 years with Thomas Cook and was one of the Founding Members of the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity established in 2009. She is the Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance Tourism Skills Group; A member of the Tourism and Hospitality industry leadership group and a board member of Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland. Her other passion is football!