EP Magazine

A woman's world?

What are the challenges facing the progression of female General Managers in London’s luxury hotel market? Heather Gibson reports

“There is more emphasis on diversity in the industry now, and the gender debate is getting a bit old school now, I believe we are seeing more female talent coming through.” It has long been argued that there are insufficient numbers of women entering senior management positions in UK business. The hospitality industry is no different, with females making up 60 percent of the workforce yet just six percent progressing into board level positions. Within the hotel sector, research has argued that traditional career paths into management present barriers to female advancement. Reasons for this have included: the length of ‘apprenticeship’ required, the influence of informal contacts to progression and the high geographical mobility required.

In London’s luxury hotel market, there are presently three female General Managers; Theresa Maw at the Renaissance Chancery Court, Katie Benson at The Langham and Debrah Dhugga of Dukes Hotel in St. James’.

Managed by CampbellGray Hotels, Debrah was appointed four months ago and she spoke regarding her thoughts on the subject. Debrah has spent 26 years in the hotel industry. Initially appointed to Swallows Hotels, she has worked as Director of Sales for Malmaison, with founder Ken McCulloch, and her most recent industry appointment prior to Dukes was as Managing Director of Seaham Hall and The Samling hotels in northern England.

Whilst she believes that there are increasing opportunities for women in senior roles, Debrah believes that a sense of practicality is required when looking at the  hotel environment. Her comments point to the fact that hard work and perseverance remain the cornerstones of achievement and are essential for building a successful career – and first and foremost, this is a long-term prospect. Married with two children, she has combined the roles of family and work and argues that it is possible to ‘have both’, provided you manage yourself and have the support of your family.

“It is not a job you start at a young age and get to the top of the ladder in five years. You have to work very hard in order to earn respect and recognition whether you are male or female. My advice is face up to the challenges and answer the questions you are asked – do not shy away from standing out.

Based in the exclusive St James’ area of central London, Debrah is the only female GM in the W1 postcode. Part of her personal focus has been to enhance the discrete, feminine touches within the service offering in order to drive greater awareness amongst the predominantly male client base and encourage recommendations to women. In four months, female occupancy from Monday to Friday has increase from one percent to fifteen percent.

“St James is a very clubby and male dominated as an area. The owners of Dukes, who also operate five star establishments in Dubai, are very supportive of my  appointment as they recognise that there is an added benefit to having a female GM. I think women bring different aspects of the positioning of the hotel, for example they have a great ability for attention to detail. In a hotel like Dukes this is absolutely key.

“From a peer group perspective I’ve been made to feel welcome, it has been phenomenal. Ultimately I am surrounded by men – but I don’t feel any different.”

It’s evident that Debrah believes a degree of change has happened in the luxury hotel environment and that opportunities are increasing for women – the challenge is to recognise key turning points and having the confidence to address issues. As she comments, “Wherever you are in the world, there is a certain ‘hotel skill set’. The location is your material; it is the service and delivery which count."