A return to The Dorchester Hotel

What is your career history?

My career in hospitality spans over two decades, and joining The Dorchester is a full circle moment for me as earlier in my career I worked at the hotel as deputy director of food and beverage between 1996 and 2000.

My most recent role was area general manager for Caesars Palace at Bluewaters Dubai where I held the position since 2016. Prior to my time in Dubai, I was director of operations for The Savoy for eight years, during which time the hotel underwent a significant restoration. I also held several roles with Four Seasons at both their London and Hampshire properties. 

What inspired you to return to The Dorchester?

From my time previously here and from all the wonderful things I have heard about the hotel since, what I know for sure is that the service of The Dorchester remains second to none. For the team, there is no greater importance than how our guests feel when you come to stay with us, and they are experts in going above and beyond our guests’ expectations. 

Also, returning to London was such an exciting opportunity for me and my family – it is the best city in the world for hospitality, and the hotel scene continues to develop and grow. Looking ahead to the next few years, there is clearly a strong investment in Britain and the capital, and I am excited to see The Dorchester continue to develop itself as one of the world’s most remarkable hotels.

What skills did you develop in Dubai?

By nature, Dubai is all about growth, development and constantly exceeding expectations. Such an exciting market attracts young talent from all over the world, so my focus was to develop and nurture our team members through a broad range of training and coaching. This experience very much helped further develop my skills as a leader in hospitality, which I look forward to implementing here at The Dorchester. 

What do you hope to achieve in your new role as hotel manager for The Dorchester?

I hope to bring my experience of the luxury sector to the day-to-day operations of the hotel and to support our general manager Luca Virgilio, who also recently joined from the Dorchester Collection property Hotel Eden in Rome. 

A significant part of my role will be to oversee the extensive renovation commencing in February 2022, and with Virgilio steering The Dorchester into its next chapter. We both have much energy and excitement for this year and beyond and can’t wait to reveal more soon. 

How do you plan to tackle the current issues in the industry?

There is no denying the huge challenges the hospitality industry faces following the last couple of years but I feel very fortunate to be joining a company that has always placed colleague welfare at the forefront of the business. This has helped us to retain a loyal colleague base and alongside that, we pride ourselves on a strong development strategy for all team members, which really helps to ensure the level of service remains consistent to our guests despite any challenges.

Do you have any upcoming plans for the hotel?

2022 will be a momentous year for The Dorchester as the hotel will enter its most significant renovation in over 30 years, and parallel to this a strategic rebrand will complement our exciting new interiors and offering. 

I can’t give too much away right now, however the renovation will start with the entrance to the hotel, The Promenade and The Bar at The Dorchester, as well as two guest floors, with this work to be complete by September. We have called upon the most renowned names in design and architecture to transform the hotel: Pierre-Yves Rochon is reimagining the hotel entrance, The Promenade and the new guest rooms and suites. Meanwhile, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has been appointed to recreate the bar, and ReardonSmith Architects have been enlisted for the entire project.