Leader in Public Affairs: David Sheen, Public Affairs Director, UKHospitality, “Take a risk, offer innovative solutions”

Mace | 5th August 2026 | In-House Public Affairs, Westminster Index

David Sheen pushes back against common perceptions about public affairs, but argues instead that it is about hard work, marshalling arguments, and building coalitions.

“My mate was a recruiter… he knew I liked beer and numbers so he had the job for me,” says David Sheen, describing an unconventional entry into public affairs. The role — a statistician position at the British Beer & Pub Association — came with an unusual commission fee (“a pair of jeans”), but it marked the start of a career that has since spanned some of the most economically and politically sensitive areas of the UK’s hospitality sector. That background — rooted in data as much as policy — continues to shape how he approaches the role today. UKHospitality represents businesses across the hospitality sector, including pubs, restaurants, hotels and leisure operators. It plays a central role in shaping policy on taxation, employment, regulation and tourism, advocating for an industry that is both a major employer and a key part of the UK’s economic and cultural fabric. For Sheen, the policy landscape is broad — but one issue stands out. “Employment Rights — it’s so vast,” he says, ...

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