Gary Hunter announces retirement from Westminster Kingsway College

Capital City College Group’s Gary Hunter is to step down from his position as Deputy Executive Principal with immediate effect.

Gary announced plans to retire from the Capital City College Group, which includes Westminster Kingsway College, City & Islington College, College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

The decision from Gary follows a protracted period of ill health.

Capital City College Group’s award-winning culinary school will be managed by the group’s Paul Jervis, Sharon Barry, and Terry Tinton.

Gary joined Westminster Kingsway College (formerly known as Westminster College) 27 years ago, starting out at the college as a lecturer in Patisserie and Confectionery.

He soon progressed to become Head of Faculty for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, working alongside Geoff Booth, before taking promotion to Deputy Principal, and eventually Principal at Westminster Kingsway.

Emotional day yesterday as @GaryHunterChef told his brilliant Westminster hospitality team he won’t be returning. Huge decision but one that supports his health. Nearly 30 years supporting top chefs into the industry. So very proud of you & the legacy you leave for UK hospitality pic.twitter.com/4dlOG9yJPH

— Nichola Hunter (@nicholajhunter) May 17, 2023

Aside from his duties as an educator, Gary is author of nine hospitality and catering books that are published and distributed internationally and have been written for student, trainee, apprentice and professional chefs.

The Level 2 Professional Chef book has won a PACE award for innovation and forewords for this, and the Advanced Professional Chef Level 3 Diploma book, have been written by Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal respectively.

Both books are endorsed by the Master Chefs of Great Britain, Craft Guild of Chefs, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and the British Culinary Federation, Gary has also written a non-academic book 'In a Class of its Own', detailing the history of the Hospitality and Culinary Arts School at Westminster Kingsway College.

Gary is also a UK Chocolate Ambassador for Barry Callebaut and has worked extensively on the UK World Chocolate Masters Competition developing UK candidates to compete in the World Chocolate Masters.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal for CCCG, said: "We express our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Gary for his outstanding contributions to culinary and hospitality education throughout his illustrious career. From his role as a lecturer to his position as Deputy Executive Principal at CCCG."

Kurt added: "Gary's leadership, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry. His authored books, international recognition, and numerous accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.We commend Gary for his remarkable achievements and extend our warmest wishes as he enters retirement, knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of hospitality education."

Among his many accolades Gary has been awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts for his contribution to culinary and hospitality education, and in 2017 Gary won the Queen’s Anniversary Award – The Royal Anniversary Trust for Higher and Further Education – on behalf of the College, awarded for the outstanding work of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Provision at Westminster Kingsway College.

Gary has also been awarded the Education Chef Award by the Craft Guild of Chefs for services and contribution to culinary education, a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence in recognition of his work writing the VRQ series of professional chef qualifications and for outstanding performance in teaching and training in hospitality and catering.

He is also a Fellow of the Master Chefs of Great Britain and a Director/Trustee of the PM Trust, a charity close to his heart, a charity dedicated to supporting young people into the hospitality industry within London.