Andrew Moth’s 25th anniversary as editor of H&R!

Yesterday, 1 November 2011, was Andrew Moth’s silver anniversary as editor of first Hotelier & Caterer, which later changed named to Hotel & Restaurant. As a company, RamsayMedia and his team celebrates his huge committment to the brand, the company and our loyal readers. The readers celebrate the fact that Moth has told it like it is, always, bringing the latest news and views to a growing base of readers for a quarter of a century. He is a true journalist, and has kept our audience informed from when they were starting out to their becoming the next generation of industry leaders. Many have grown up with a copy of H&R somewhere in their midst. And through all the ups and downs, Moth remains passionate about his craft and committed to shining a light
on all facets of the industry – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Moth started his career as editor of then-named Hotelier & Caterer (now Hotel & Restaurant) on 1 November 1986. He took over from Bruce Heilbuth, who after five years with the magazine took up a newspaper post in Australia. Moth, then age 35, was a Cape Town journalist and part-time lecturer in Journalism at the University of Stellenbosch.

Moth was born in England, in Balham, an area of south London that was famously parodied by Peter Sellers in a sketch originally aired on BBC radio in the 1950’s entitled: “Balham, Gateway to the South”.

He was educated at Plumstead High School in Cape Town and later the University of Cape Town. Before joining Ramsay Son & Parker, as the company was known then (now RamsayMedia), Moth was night editor of the Cape Times, a position he had held for six years. He began his career as a cadet reporter on the newspaper in 1972, gaining experience in all aspects of news reporting, specialising in coverage of the Supreme Court and various high profile cases. Moth was later appointed assistant chief sub-editor of the Cape Times and after a brief stint at the Argus newspaper, rejoined Cape Times in 1980 as night editor.

Moth is married to Lindy and is stepfather to her grown-up son. He is also devoted ‘father’ of two beloved beagles, Oliver-Biggles and Sophie. Today is also Andrew and Lindy’s 15th wedding anniversary, so a double celebration. (He says keeping all anniversaries on the same day makes them easier to remember.)

Moth was always a keen sportsman, playing tennis and running, as well as following rugby, cricket, motorsports and football. He supports Burnley FC in England (despite the team’s mixed performance).

After 40 years in the publishing industry, no one knows more about the art, science, mystery and magic of journalism than Moth. He started out in the days of hot metal, where a skill in “mirror reading” was essential. Today he is as adept in the digital world, as the Hotel & Restaurant brand expands its presence in a multiplatform environment.

His primary concern is, and always has been, the ongoing supply of reliable, relevant and often controversial news to the hospitality industry. What he cares most about are the readers, and he has built up many long-standing relationships with senior management across the industry. Some share their views here:

Tony Romer-Lee, CEO of The Collection by Liz McGrath: “The title ‘Champion of Industry’ is usually reserved for high flying CEOs or charismatic owners. However, there are some notable exceptions and Andrew Moth surely has to be one of them for the Hospitality Industry. Having known Andrew for about 20 of his 25 years he has remained absolutely true to his values and unlike so many in his profession he ‘tells it exactly as he sees it’. He is somebody who everybody respects, enjoys and his opinions are pretty much always shared by the people he represents and serves. As a journalist he is not afraid to court controversy, always well researched, has a great sense of humour and is impressively up to date with technology as it changes. He is also fair, not favouring any one sector of the industry over another and therefore ensuring all are represented and heard. Hotel & Restaurant’s many changes over the years have been underpinned by the knowledge that Andrew is at the helm and I think he has been the key to its survival through some very difficult periods. Andrew is a great source of wisdom and continuity in an industry where change prevails. Congratulations Andrew on this milestone and may there be many more.”

Clifford Ross, CEO of City Lodge Hotels: “I would like to congratulate Andrew on his silver anniversary at Hotel & Restaurant, just a year after our group celebrated its own 25^th birthday. I would also like to commend him on his unbiased reporting and not shying away from controversial issues. He has always had the courage of his convictions, even if it has ruffled the feathers of certain of the individuals concerned. He has always remained open to discussing the issues to ensure that the reporting is accurate in every respect. He does not suffer fools gladly and always reports on relevant issues pertaining to the industry at the time. He relies on his great depth of knowledge on the industry gained over the years and always gives balance to an issue through giving/recommending solutions to the issues.”

Brett Dungan, outgoing CEO of Fedhasa: “First of all congratulations on this milestone! The importance of having someone like Andrew who was a guiding light throughout this time, on what should and shouldn’t be important to industry players: he was sometimes critical but unfortunately usually correct. I think to have someone who has been through the peaks and troughs and assisted the industry to keep a level head and focus on what was important was crucial, especially with the magazine having been the almanac for the industry leaders.”

Billy Gallagher, honorary president of South African Chefs Association and honorary life president of World Association of Chefs Societies: “The longevity and success of any great magazine is dependent on its relevant content, integrity and value it adds to its target audience. The Hotel & Restaurant magazine, decade after decade, has led the market through its innovative and hard-hitting, to the point, unbiased reporting on our industry. Andrew Moth should be congratulated for his values and editorial principles. He is truly a leader in his field and a beacon of information in the hospitality industry. Well done Andrew on your 25 years!”

Alan Ramsay, chairman of RamsayMedia: “What a privilege to work so long with Andrew Moth, an editor and journalist who displays so many of those wonderful old-fashioned principles: pedantic attention to getting the facts right, a wonderful ‘nose for news’, the correct use of the English language and an ear close to the hospitality industry ground. As is appropriate for all great journalists, Andrew can be forthright, opinionated and, at times, difficult to work with. These are each characteristics that help contribute constructively to robust debate about – and generation of – outstanding content that meets the information, education and entertainment needs of Hotel & Restaurant’s readers and website visitors, ensuring that they receive the best available news, features, instruction and gossip!

“Andrew has made a vital contribution to the information needs of the hospitality industry in particular and the business world in general – and not just through his role as editor, but also through his lectures to aspirant journalists at the Stellenbosch University School of Journalism, of whom many have pursued similar careers. He is a keen student of the profession – and a special role model for those who aspire to the responsibilities of the editorial ‘chair’.

“His contribution has been – and will continue to be – of important value to Hotel & Restaurant’s stakeholders – the industry, his colleagues and the business’s shareholders, all of whom will share warm and special appreciation for his contribution, even when they disagree with him!”

Susan Reynard, Gauteng editor of Hotel & Restaurant: “When I joined Hotel & Restaurant in May 2001, it was with the specific aim of working with and learning from editor Andrew Moth, as well as reporting on the hospitality industry once again. Andrew has been a steady hand at the helm during changes in the country, economy, business and company. Although he is based in Cape Town and I am in Johannesburg, his guidance has been constant and invaluable in furthering my knowledge of journalism as well as the hospitality industry that we are both so passionate about. He always has the courage of his convictions and his vast knowledge of the industry, gained during the past 25 years, has proven time and again that there is no substitute for experience or short-cut to excellence. Congratulations!”