I am a Senior Lecturer in the Centre of Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism (CCHT) within Derby Business School, where I collaborate with employers across the UK, Europe, and the USA to facilitate placements and graduate internships. This dynamic role provides me with the opportunity to contribute to various programmes, ensuring that employability and applied learning are at the forefront of the curriculum.
As Programme Leader for the BA Hons International Hospitality Management, I oversee the delivery of the programme both on campus and in partnership with our global collaborators in Greece, London, Botswana, Qatar, and Singapore. My leadership responsibilities include guiding a diverse team of academics (all with significant industry experience), combining a passion for student development with a focus on curriculum innovation. Through continuous development and enhancement, I strive to ensure that the programme maintains its strong reputation both nationally and internationally, contributing to the overall prestige of the University of Derby.
In addition to programme leadership, I am dedicated to pastoral care as a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), providing academic support and guidance to students throughout their journey. I also take on module leadership and play an active role in fostering student engagement, ensuring that students not only excel academically but are also prepared for the professional world.
With extensive national and international experience in the hospitality industry, I am well-equipped to teach a wide array of subjects, including product design, professional development, event planning, and leadership. My academic leadership is grounded in my industry experience, allowing me to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, enhancing the student experience and supporting professional development in the ever-evolving hospitality sector.
Teaching responsibilities
My teaching responsibilities encompass the development of professional skills, industry standards, and employability competencies within our student body, with a particular focus on supporting students during their 12-month placements (typically between their second and third years) and facilitating graduate opportunities. I am committed to equipping students with the practical experience and academic grounding necessary for successful careers in the hospitality and service sectors.
I teach a diverse range of modules across levels four to six, including professional development, sustainable hospitality operations, hotel revenue management, innovation and technology in hospitality, and contemporary issues in the service sector. In addition to these core subjects, I actively encourage and support students in engaging with international competitions, providing them with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world, competitive settings.
As part of my academic role, I supervise undergraduate Independent Studies at level six and postgraduate research projects at level seven. Through this mentorship, I guide students in their pursuit of advanced academic and professional skills, helping them develop critical thinking and research capabilities that are essential for success in the global hospitality industry.
I collaborate closely with international industry partners to provide my students with valuable, real-world applied learning opportunities. Through industry-set live briefs, I ensure that students engage with current, relevant challenges that directly support and enrich their academic studies. These practical projects not only deepen students' understanding but also contribute to their modular assessments, fostering a seamless integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This approach enhances their employability and prepares them for the dynamic demands of the global industry.
I speak Italian as a second language.
Professional interests
I serve as an external examiner for several higher education institutions (HEIs), where I play a pivotal role in reviewing sample scripts to ensure that academic standards at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels remain nationally and internationally comparable. This responsibility extends to taught and research degree programmes, ensuring that the institutions I work with maintain the highest standards of academic rigour and integrity.
A strong advocate for professional industry exposure, I consistently engage with industry leaders to discuss professional development, placements, and graduate opportunities. This proactive approach has led to the facilitation of a series of talks from industry professionals, focused on enhancing understanding of professional standards, service sector dynamics, and graduate career paths. Furthermore, I have contributed to the development and launch of an industry mentoring scheme for final-year students, which commenced in September 2023, providing invaluable guidance and networking opportunities to students as they transition from academia to the workforce.
With a professional interest in food science, I explore how scientific principles are applied to everyday products, cooking methods, and service delivery. This passion allows me to bring a unique perspective to the curriculum, bridging the gap between theory and practical, science-based applications within the hospitality sector.
In addition to my academic responsibilities, I developed an industry mentoring scheme for Events, Hospitality, and Tourism students, which has been successfully launched for our second-year, third-year, and postgraduate students. This programme provides invaluable support and guidance to emerging professionals, fostering their development and helping them build strong foundations for successful careers in the field.
Currently, I am under consideration for a book chapter titled An Interdisciplinary Cross-Modal Approach to Graduate Employability Curriculum Post-COVID-19, which reflects my ongoing commitment to advancing the understanding and integration of employability skills within higher education curricula.
Research interests
I have a strong academic interest in the anthropology of food, with a particular focus on the psychology and causal patterns underlying consumption habits and rituals. My research in this area has led to the submission of several papers to prominent research conferences, and I have had the privilege of having my work accepted into respected, peer-reviewed academic journals.
In addition to my broader interest in food anthropology, I am particularly passionate about exploring Asian-based cuisines. I delve into the underlying philosophies behind these dishes and enjoy reinterpreting them by aligning their traditional flavour profiles with those of the host nation, offering new perspectives on culinary cross-cultural fusion.
I am also deeply intrigued by the use of music and sound waves as innovative tools for active learning in the classroom. This interdisciplinary approach seeks to engage students more holistically, enhancing their learning experiences through auditory stimuli that support cognitive processing and retention.
In September 2023, I began my doctoral studies, focusing on Transnational Education with a specific emphasis on the ethics and politics of hospitality education. This research examines how globalized education systems, particularly in hospitality, navigate complex ethical and political considerations, and how they impact both educators and students within a transnational context.
I recently authored an academic response analyzing the impacts of the Chancellor's budget on the hospitality industry. In this response, I critically examined the key financial measures outlined in the budget and assessed their potential effects on various aspects of the sector, including business operations, employment, and sustainability. Drawing on both industry data and theoretical frameworks, I explored how the proposed fiscal policies might influence industry growth, workforce development, and the broader economic landscape. The response underscores the importance of strategic adaptation by hospitality businesses in response to government policy changes and offers insights into the sector's future trajectory in light of budgetary decisions.
Membership of professional bodies
I am a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, demonstrating my commitment to advancing the hospitality profession through both academic and industry engagement. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I hold a distinguished position in the higher education sector, reflecting my extensive experience and dedication to enhancing the student learning experience.
Additionally, I am a Member of the Craft Guild of Chefs, underscoring my expertise and passion for culinary arts. I actively contribute to the Industry Engagement Forum, where I collaborate with industry leaders to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
I am also a proud Member of FLIGHT Hospitality, where I engage with peers and thought leaders to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and practices in the hospitality sector.
Qualifications
Undergraduate Qualifications
BA (Hons) Hospitality Management
Postgraduate Qualifications
MA Culinary Arts and Heritage Tourism
Doctoral Studies
Doctor of Education (EdD) (In Progress) Focus: Transnational Education, with an emphasis on the ethics and politics of hospitality education
My academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both hospitality management and culinary arts, further supported by my ongoing doctoral research into the complexities of global education systems, particularly within the hospitality sector.
Recent conferences
THE INC/ATHENA Conference, June 2024, Amsterdam Presentation Title: Reflexive Practice within a Politicised Research Agenda – Ethics and Causality This upcoming presentation will explore the intersection of reflexive practice, ethical considerations, and causality within the context of politicised research agendas. It will address how these factors influence and shape academic inquiry and the broader implications for research in hospitality and related disciplines.
FLIGHT Hospitality Conference, March 2018, Neuchatel, Switzerland At this conference, which aimed to bridge the gap between academia and the hospitality industry, I contributed insights on fostering stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry professionals. The event provided a platform for cross-sector dialogue and explored emerging trends and challenges within hospitality education and practice.
Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) Conference, May 2017 I participated in this esteemed conference, engaging with academics and professionals to discuss key issues facing hospitality management education, including curriculum development, industry partnerships, and the future of hospitality leadership. The event facilitated the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas to enhance the quality and impact of hospitality education.
Experience in industry
With over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, I have cultivated a career defined by excellence, versatility, and leadership. My journey began in the vibrant hospitality sector of Italy, where I developed a strong foundation in service and operations. I later transitioned to the prestigious private country clubs of the United States, where I successfully led and developed high-performing teams while orchestrating the seamless execution of high-profile private events. These formative experiences not only sharpened my leadership abilities but also instilled in me a profound commitment to delivering unparalleled service and creating memorable guest experiences.
In addition, I have held key supervisory and management roles at Michelin-starred establishments and esteemed country house hotels in both the UK and Italy. These positions offered me invaluable exposure to the pinnacle of luxury service, operational excellence, and refined guest relations. My international career has equipped me with the adaptability to thrive in diverse cultural contexts, enabling me to consistently deliver extraordinary experiences across a wide range of hospitality settings.
International experience
I bring extensive experience in the hospitality industries across the USA, Italy, and the UK, with a focus on staff training and performance evaluation, event development and management, as well as kitchen staffing and training. Leveraging this expertise, I have built strong relationships with industry professionals in the USA, UK, Europe, and Japan. These connections have been instrumental in supporting student learning, facilitating placement opportunities, and fostering pathways for graduate success within the global hospitality sector.
Additional interests and activities
I am an enthusiastic Derby County fan and make it a point to attend matches whenever possible. Recently, I’ve taken up boxing as a recreational activity, enjoying its energetic and invigorating nature. While my rugby-playing days are behind me, I remain a dedicated supporter of the sport—especially now that my eldest daughter plays rugby as a hobby, where I proudly serve as her biggest fan. I also have a deep passion for gardening and actively collaborate with my local community on a "garden-to-plate" initiative, promoting sustainability and strengthening community connections through homegrown produce.
In the media
Expert Reactions to the Government’s First Autumn Budget 2024
University of Derby Gain insights from leading experts at the University of Derby as they analyse the key takeaways and implications of the Government's 2024 Autumn Budget.
Research Grant
Published by The-ICE Read the professional profile of Mr. Leonard Cseh, an esteemed contributor in the field, as featured in the 2023 Research Grant Scheme (RGS) publication.
Recipients of The-ICE Research Grant Scheme (RGS) 2023 Announced
White Paper: How to Deliver Meaningful, Impactful, and Worthwhile Work Placements
Published by the Institute of Hospitality Explore best practices for designing and implementing impactful work placements in hospitality. This white paper offers actionable strategies and insights for educators and industry leaders.
Recent publications
Cseh, L. (2024) The Impact of technology on Transnational Education (TNE), engagement & cultural dimensions across collaborative partners in the UK and the Middle East: Conference proceedings at The INC - Technology Enabled Competitiveness and Experiences in Tourism, Hospitality and Events June 5th - 7th 2024. ISBN 978909038146
Dutt, C., Cseh, L., Hardy, P., Iguchi, Y., (2023) The High’s and Low’s of COILs in Action: A case study from Qatar, the UK, and the UAE: Extended Abstract. Submitted as proceedings to the ICE Conference, October 2023
Dutt, C., Cseh, L., Hardy, P., Iguchi, Y., (2023) European transnational education in the Middle East: Conceptual highs, lows, and recommendations. International Marketing Journal of Culture and Tourism. DOI: 10.33001/18355/imjct0106
Cseh, L., Crilley, E. (2017) A Preliminary Investigation into the foodservice market, cooking, presentation and plating techniques. Does it enhance the dining experience? (CHME conference proceedings May 16 2017)
Alonso, A.D. Dr.; Cseh, L.; Sakellarios, N.; Cooper, S.J.; Jones, C. (2016) Value for money’ and the restaurant experience: A case study of supply and demand stakeholders. International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp.44–65
Alonso, A.D. Dr.; Cseh, L.; Sakellarios, N.; Cooper, S.J.; Jones, C. (2014) Value for money’ and the restaurant experience: A case study of supply and demand stakeholders: A preliminary study.(CHME conference proceedings May 28, 2014)
Cseh, L. (2012). Can Flow State enhance learning on Culinary Arts programmes? (CHME conference proceedings May 9, 2012)
Close, H. & Cseh, L. (2012) Nutritional benefits of local produce: A multi-modal approach with specific reference to the Peak District. (CHME conference proceedings May 9, 2012)
