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2026 Programme
09:40 – 10:25 Market Insights

Beyond the Horizon

A sharp, data-driven deep dive into the financial and economic currents shaping the UK hotel industry. The panel will unpack raw macroeconomic data, tying CPI changes and debt finance realities directly to RevPAR, ADR, and disposable guest spend.

Jeavon Lolay
Jeavon LolayLloyds Banking
Dave North
Dave NorthLloyds Banking
10:25 – 11:10 Operations

Frontline Fortitude

Hotel operators are caught in a pincer movement: skyrocketing supply chain and labour costs on one side, guests demanding flawless value on the other. This panel digs into asset management, smart cost-control, and building operational agility across diverse portfolios.

Julie White
Julie WhiteAccor
David Anderson
David AndersonAimbridge EMEA
David Hart
David HartRBH Hospitality
11:30 – 12:15 Leadership

The Modern Anchor

Managing a modern hospitality workforce demands a shift from old-school hierarchy to empathetic, visionary leadership. These industry standard-bearers explore how to inspire loyalty across multi-generational teams, foster open communication, and maintain personal mental resilience.

Christian Masters
Christian Mastersart'otel Hoxton
Caroline Gregory
Caroline GregoryThe Lovat Hotel
Simon Numphud
Simon NumphudAA Media Services
12:15 – 13:00 Events Market

The New Roar of MICE

The MICE sector looks radically different than it did a few years ago. From hyper-personalised retreats to tech-heavy hybrid conventions, this session uncovers what today's corporate planners actually want from a venue — and how to maximise yield per square foot.

Shonali Devereaux
Shonali DevereauxMIA
Varun Shetty
Varun ShettyThe Belfry Resort
14:00 – 14:45 Development

Blueprint for Growth

Despite tight credit markets, the appetite for strategic hotel development remains fierce. Brands and asset managers discuss the shift toward conversions, brand repositioning, and adaptive reuse over ground-up builds.

Tim Davis
Tim DavisPACE Dimensions
Gavin Taylor
Gavin TaylorClermont Hotels
Paul Blackmore
Paul BlackmoreHilton
David JM Orr
David JM OrrResident Hotels
14:45 – 15:30 Technology

Beyond the Buzzwords

AI is already driving revenue and plugging labour gaps. This panel cuts through the jargon to showcase how automated guest messaging, contactless check-ins, and predictive analytics can save thousands of labour hours.

DB
David BeersChoice Hotels
RBH
AI SpecialistRBH Management
CT
Canary PanelistCanary Tech
15:55 – 16:40 People & Culture

People First

Recruitment is tough, but retention is where the real battle is won or lost. Industry leaders share actionable advice on mental health initiatives, flexible working models, and defined career progression pathways.

Mark Lewis
Mark LewisHospitality Action
Suzanne Speak
Suzanne SpeakRadisson Group
16:40 – 17:05 Crisis Management

When the Custard Hits the Fan

In a 24/7 digital world, a single bad incident can escalate into a viral PR nightmare within minutes. A compressed, highly practical session delivering an actionable blueprint for emergency communication and brand protection.

CC
PR Leadership TeamCustard Comm.
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Home > Latest News > Brands > Hotel Indigo Leeds appoints general manager ahead of summer opening
Hotel Indigo Leeds appoints general manager ahead of summer opening

Hotel Indigo Leeds appoints general manager ahead of summer opening

In this episode we speak to Philip Lassman, managing director UK&I at Numa. Philip spoke about the lessons learned from his time at Hilton, IHG and Accor, and how his early roles have shaped his leadership approach, the rise of aparthotels and why guests are increasingly seeking flexible and locally connected stays, how Native by Numa sites root themselves in their local neighbourhoods, and Philip’s plans for growing the Numa brand.

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Hotel Indigo Leeds has appointed Simon Grace as general manager ahead of its opening in summer 2025.

Bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Grace honed his skills in some of Yorkshire’s wedding venues before transitioning to fine dining establishments, and eventually into leadership roles with major corporate brands. 

His experience includes working with renowned companies such as Accor and, most recently, over seven years with IHG’s Hotel Indigo brand.

Speaking on his new role as general manager of Hotel Indigo Leeds, Grace said: “Since re-joining IHG back in 2018 and experiencing the Hotel Indigo brand, I was so impressed with the flexibility, and the opportunity to work with the brand and the stakeholders to provide an enhanced guest experience within the luxury and lifestyle hotel sector. It also fosters a community which gives your team members the opportunity to be themselves and provide amazing guest service. 

“Leeds in particular is a wonderful city, steeped in heritage and architecture, so bringing the two together is just a match made in heaven for delivering the hotel’s neighbourhood experience and story.”

He added: “I want Hotel Indigo Leeds to be the best hotel in Leeds to stay at, dine at, drink at, and of course to work at – a legacy to be remembered.

“I’m incredibly excited about the appointments we currently have in place, and we certainly have the foundations there for an amazing team, but it is something that we’re continuing to grow over the coming weeks.”

Sarah Terry, chief operating officer of Countrywide Hotels, said: “With so many moving parts involved when it comes to successfully operating a top-class hotel and adjoining bar and restaurant, selecting the right person as general manager is a key milestone for any new establishment. 

“Simon’s proven ability to manage this alongside a fantastic and consistently high level of service for each and every guest, made him the perfect individual to ensure Hotel Indigo Leeds is a success.”

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