Tributes paid to former Craft Guild of Chefs chief executive Martin Bates

Tributes have been paid to former Craft Guild of Chefs chief executive and "great friend to the hospitality industry" Martin Bates (pictured, right).

Bates, who died after a long battle with illness, had started his career as a chef in hotels before moving into catering equipment where he was managing director of Robot Coupe for 25 years. He went on to launch his own company, New Classics, which was later sold to a large equipment wholesaler.

He had joined what was then the Cookery and Food Association in 1978 and following its renaming to the Craft Guild of Chefs he put himself forward for the newly created position of chief executive, a role he held from January 2006 to June 2015.

The guild's current chief executive Andrew Green (pictured, left) said Bates had wanted to "give back to the industry" and "loved" his time in the role.

He added: "Developing many of the ideas that we still use today, and ensuring that we had robust plans in place from a standing start, Martin helped us move forward with great gusto and purpose.

"Leaving behind his wife Angie, two daughters Debbie and Sally, as well as grandchildren, he will be greatly missed by so many people in the industry, many were not just colleagues but friends as well."

Steve Munkley, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, added: "Martin joined the Guild as the first CEO we had. His amazing career in the industry meant he was a sought-after person and we were so happy he wanted to take on the role.

"He had started his career as a chef and moved into the sales side of industry, but he never became detached from his roots and loved being part of the cheffing community. During the nine years that he was CEO of the Guild he helped pull us as an association out of the dark ages and into the 21 century. He was such a lovely man and will be sorely missed."

David Mulcahy, food innovation and sustainability director at Sodexo, added: "As CEO of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Martin Bates was given a platform to demonstrate his lifelong passion and commitment to chefs from all sectors.

"He was a great friend to the hospitality industry and a true gentleman. We are indebted to Martin for his relentless work and support for chefs and send heartfelt best wishes to his wife and family at this sad time."

Please send any tributes to Martin to emma.lake@thecaterer.com