EP Magazine

People of the Year, 2011

A changing of the Guard?

The past 12 months have seen a multitude of leadership changes, both in political terms and in the business landscape. From the eurozone to banks to plc there are fresh new faces shaping policy and performance. In many ways this is a natural and positive step, and it is often said the new leaders emerge during times of recession. In the hospitality industry, it would appear that a changing of the guard is beginning to emerge, with the results of our survey providing an interesting and poignant snapshot of the priorities and strategic direction at this moment in time. As one industry observer put it:
“The industry itself is going through a challenging period, and some surprising changes have occurred. Being a leader in the hospitality industry is no longer a life membership, if it ever was. The rate of change caused by external factors which affect everyone in business and public life apply just as much to our sector.”

So who do leaders nominate as having had the most influence this year?

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive, British Hospitality Association

“It feels like the industry has rediscovered its voice again. Ufi has engaged senior players from across the industry and from the public sector. She has really focused on the big levers that will make a difference to hospitality. The government has started to understand that hospitality has a major role to play in the economic recovery and Ufi and her team should be thanked for that.”

“Ufi has made a significant difference to the industry in my opinion and is an inspiration. She speaks openly and honestly about the challenges that affect our sector and more importantly takes the bull by the horns in terms of putting thought into action.”

“A great first full year in role…a huge impact in raising the profile of the industry and influencing John Penrose in a way that is beneficial to us as an industry and where I have not seen as much success previously.”

James Berresford and Penny (Viscountess) Cobham, CEO and Chair of VisitEngland

“They have done an incredible job over the past two years but over the past 12 months in particular for the tourism and hospitality industry. Getting an extra £3million out of government was not easy! They tend to get overlooked.”

Heiko Figge, chief operating officer, Thistle Hotels

“The company won the AA Brand of the Year in recognition of his efforts to lead a transformation in the company, and it was the first UK brand to secure Hospitality Assured for all its hotels. This was a huge challenge that could only have been delivered with strong leadership and a true commitment to hospitality excellence. Heiko is a senior leader with a firm grasp of the long-term strategy for his business, but unlike a lot of senior executives, he is up to date with current issues, such as technology, and he is on top of the detail, challenging his leadership team but also supporting them to deal with our ongoing challenges.”

“The improvements at Thistle and Guoman have been staggering. The properties have been refurbished, the team reinvigorated and the business now feels like a better proposition for guests. I was also impressed that they have had more engagement with Springboard and is supporting initiatives across the industry. They are once again seen as an aspirational company to work for and The AA Hotel Group of theYear award looks like it was richly deserved.”

Ciaran Fahy, managing director, The Cavendish Hotel

“Ciaran’s leadership style challenges all of the myths that give our industry a bad name. Ciaran is so committed to creating an empowered and engaged workforce that The Cavendish was 35th best company to work for in The Sunday Times Top 100 – who would have thought that this would be possible for a hospitality firm? He is also heavily involved in supporting the industry and his neighbourhood as chair of the Jermyn Street Association and also chair of the London branch of the BHA.”

“A true hospitality professional who puts his people at the heart of everything he does. His commitment to his people development is fantastic, and he works tirelessly to promote the industry on a wider platform. Ciaran has cemented himself as a real champion of the industry by doing the right things in the right way.”

HIT Scotland – launch of the International Leadership School

“Peter Lederer and Stephen Carter helped to launch an “Executive Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Leadership” programme. This fills a vacuum between managers, owners and asset managers and the need to develop leadership skills.”

Jason Atherton, Pollen Street Social

“For gaining his Michelin star,opening up in Singapore and doing it quietly and with style.”

“Jason Atherton is one of the most dynamic business leaders I’ve met. Jason achieved a Michelin star at Pollen Street Social only months after opening. I feel Jason is one of the most innovative people in our industry and he is exporting his talent all over the world.”

Heston Blumenthal, Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

“I think Heston Blumenthal has made a big impact with his Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental; a very innovative concept (using historical recipes) and a wonderful PR campaign.”

“For his incredible talent and the worldwide publicity he creates for cuisine in the UK. He is also very supportive of the training bodies and has been a great inspiration to encourage young people to join the hospitality industry.”

Luke Johnson, Serial entrepreneur & chairman of 3Sixty restaurants

“Luke, because he is tirelessly upbeat and optimistic. He is constantly communicating a ‘get off your bum and start something ’message to budding entrepreneurs in his frequent speeches, articles in the FT, and in his latest book (Start It Up ... from an entrepreneur who has). He communicates that message tirelessly, eloquently and it is needed more than ever in a gloomy economic environment like we have now. I was given his latest book and thought ‘Why do I need to read this ... I’ve started 20+ restaurants?’, but skimmed it and found myself totally engrossed despite initial misgivings. He is an inspiration to young and old in our business ... or indeed any business.”

Robin Hutson, Limewood/The Pig

“Limewood as a destination hotel and the launch of the fresh new concept that is ‘The Pig’ puts Robin Hutson back in the forefront of hotel innovators.”

“For his innovative and leadership skills to introduce new concepts to the Country House market with the creation of The Pig.”

“The Pig is a great concept, I love what he has done.”