Hotel Designs Brit List HDBritList_eventGuide | Page 30

TOP HOTELIERS 2018
ROBIN SHEPPARD - BESPOKE HOTELS
Formed in 2000, Bespoke Hotels has grown to represent more than 200 properties worldwide,
and now stands as the UK’s largest Independent Hotel Group. Ranging from specialist golfing
hotels to award-winning spa resorts and chic city centre properties, the group prides
itself on a diverse roster and a unique, individualised management style. Bespoke
Hotel’s Chairman, Robin Sheppard, has recently been appointed Chairman of the
Institute of Hospitality, as well as being instated as Hotel Sector Champion by the
Government’s Office for Disability Issues. A tireless campaigner for awareness
around disability and the importance of accessible design, Sheppard launched
the Bespoke Access Awards in 2016 alongside members of the House of Lords.
The largest such design competition in the country, the now Blue Badge Access
Awards is going into its third iteration and has seen winning designs incorporated
across the Bespoke portfolio and forthcoming new-build locations.
SARAH HOLDEN – HOTEL DIRECTOR, THE PIG NEAR BATH
After two years leading the restaurant team at The PIG near Bath, during which
she was awarded a Hotel Catey, Sarah Holden was promoted to the position of
Hotel Director in 2015. Since then, Holden has made a name for herself on the
British hotel scene by overseeing 90 staff in the stunning 29-key property.
THOMAS KOCHS – MANAGING DIRECTOR, THE CORINTHIA LONDON
Thomas Kochs became the Managing Director of The Corinthia London in May
2017. Kochs is responsible for managing Corinthia Hotel’s flagship property, which
opened its doors on Whitehall Place in 2011. In six years, Corinthia London has
achieved international acclaim as one of the world’s leading luxury five-star
hotels. The hotel, located near London’s Embankment features 294-guestrooms,
suites and penthouses, two international restaurants, a cocktail bar and the UK’s
award-winning ESPA Life.
WILL ASHWORTH – MANAGING DIRECTOR,
WATERGATE BAY HOTEL
Nominated for Hotelier of Year at this year’s Independent Hotel Show, Will
Ashworth took over his parent’s hotel business in 2004. Going against the grain
of a typical seaside hotel, Ashworth transformed the Watergate Bay Hotel’s
fortunes by refurbishing the building, running fresh initiatives and taking its
marketing to new heights. As a direct result, the hotel now runs at 86 percent
occupancy all year round.
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