Arena and Wimpy founder Naomi Arnold RIP

We were sadly informed this morning that Naomi Arnold, founding director of Arena, passed away on Tuesday 11th April following a short illness. 

Naomi was a formidable character within the hospitality industry and had previously been involved with the board responsible for setting up Wimpy Group. In 1992, she founded Arena, the hospitality networking association, along with Peter Backman. 

Andy Kemp, executive director of Arena, said: “It’s with great sadness that we receive this news. It was only a short time ago I met with Naomi and, despite the challenges presented through her illness, she was her usual exuberant self. We will remember her with fondness and admiration.”