William Robert Baxter CBE[1] (born August 1960[2] in Inverness, Scotland - died 16 October 2023[3]) was a British foodservice and hospitality entrepreneur.
Baxter was a leading figure[4] of the industry for over 30 years, retiring from commercial life in 2011, continuing to serve the sector as Chairman of Hospitality Action[4] from 2010.
Baxter was also Chairman of the Scannappeal,[5] a charity which raises funds to purchase life saving medical equipment for hospitals in Buckinghamshire.
[6] Although he was dyslexic, Baxter obtained sufficient A Levels and was offered places at university to study architecture, but instead decided to choose a career in hospitality, after realising that “Seven years looked like a long time.
[8] In 2000 Baxter launched his next contract catering venture, BaxterSmith,[9][10] with Mike Smith which he merged with the then WSH to become BaxterStorey, taking on the role of Deputy Chief Executive until his retirement in 2011.