Leading nationwide training and apprenticeship provider for the hospitality sector, Umbrella Training has announced the promotion of Jo Simovic to chief operating officer – supporting the company’s sustainable growth.
Jo Simovic, COO, Umbrella TrainingFormerly director of excellence, Simovic will take up the new position this month and will oversee the complete operational and quality running of Umbrella Training and sister company Elite Hospitality Assessment Professionals (EHAP).
She will work alongside chief executive Adele Oxberry to execute the company vision while helping to manage and shape the strategic direction of both businesses.
Simovic has a background in management consulting and creating bespoke learning and development solutions with high organisational ROI. She previously held senior positions at The Learning Academy and Stanford Management Processes.
The promotion will enable Oxberry to focus solely on the strategic positioning of the company within the apprenticeship and training market.
Oxberry founded the business in 2012. She is also non-exec at two other businesses, chair of the new Umbrella Entrepreneur fund for young people and an active member of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers and the Institute of Hospitality.
Umbrella Training’s executive team also comprises of non-executive director Jamal Bentaleb and business relations director Sam Coulstock, with plans to bring in further expertise in 2020 to support the company’s business agenda and governance.
Oxberry said: “We are at a crucial point in our growth and know that, in order to continue with our development, we need to invest in our people and processes.
“Our growth to date has been completely organic. This has been primarily down to the belief we have in offering meaningful and collaborative apprenticeship programmes. We know that, as we grow, we need to ensure that these values remain throughout everything that we do. This is a key reason behind Jo’s promotion.”
Simovic added: “I am delighted to take on this role. Ever since I joined the business, the unwavering desire to work collaboratively to achieve results is what has spurred me on. We have a fantastic business model; my job is to ensure that we continue to grow and maintain the values which has made our business what it is today.”