Where is your favourite hotel in the world and why?
I have been fortunate to travel quite extensively and have experienced many hotels around the world both for work and pleasure. Being part of the industry I tend to appreciate most hotels I stay in and am always intrigued by how each property has been designed and how it is operated. I particularly enjoy talking to team members and learning about their journey and operation and I feel this is always the backbone of a great hotel. Two hotels that have stood out for me over the years, for different reasons, have been the Chedi in Andermatt and the Explora Hotel in the sacred valley in Peru. The quality of designs and finish at the Chedi was exceptional and, when I stayed there, the service matched. The Explora in Peru was very special for its simplicity and respect towards the environment and the surroundings. It was a very peaceful and reenergising place for my family at a very special time in our lives and the memories made there were incredible.
What’s your favourite country in the world and why?
I love traveling and discovering new places. Everywhere has something different and special to offer however top of my list would be Italy. The country has so much to offer from the olive groves and Trulli in Puglia in the South, all the way through the enchantment of Naples and the history of Rome, Venice and Florence, not to mention the great skiing resorts across the Dolomites.
Of course, this is all topped off by the legendary Italian Dolce Vita… great style from clothing to cars, amazing food from simple pizza and pasta to a Fiorentina in the North, or fresh fish in the South, you are always guaranteed great food in Italy with local wines to match.
What is your greatest achievement?
Professionally, I would like to think it is still ahead of me and I tend to look forward more than backwards. I love building teams and allowing them the space to work and develop to create something special together and I find this very rewarding. Ultimately, I feel that supporting people to achieve their goals and ambitions underpins what gives me the greatest satisfaction.
Personally, without a doubt, being with and supporting my family and watching my children develop and grow into decent people is my utmost joy. Nothing else comes close.
Describe your job in 3 words
Vision – Drive – Support
