I began life in the hospitality industry in 1972, aged 18 in the kitchens of The George V in Paris. I spent some five years with Trust House Forte Hotels, learning the business and going one day a week to college, studying for the HCIMA, before my first management role as an assistant banqueting manager at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

I joined Hyatt International in Brussels in 1980, followed by senior management positions with Hyatt in Singapore, Morocco, London and Australia. Had my own restaurant business in Australia, prior to joining Ritz-Carlton Hotels and then Hilton as operations manager of the London Hilton On Park Lane. First General Manager’s position at The Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments.

In 1996, I became GM at Champneys Health Resort, taking it to one of the top ten destination spas in the world, at the same time becoming president of the International Spa Association for EAME.

In 2001, I was elected Master Innholder and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality. I joined The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in January 2002, taking it to AA Five Red Stars and AA 3 rosettes within two years.

After one year of consultancy, I took over as General Manager of Lough Erne Golf Resort, a 600-acre development in the north west of Ireland. I’ve opened three 5-star hotels in my time and directly supervised the multi-million pound refurbishment of four other 5-star properties.

What was your first job and how much were you paid?

Apprentice chef, earning a pittance of £17 per week.

Have you ever had a job you hated?

Being a waiter at the Kensington Palace Hotel in London at the time of my father’s sudden death in 1974.

What was your first success in business?

In real terms, this can only be described as opening my own restaurant business in Australia and establishing it as one of the top ten restaurants in the country within one year.

What business figure(s) do you most admire?

Anyone who has stayed in the hotel business as long as I have and is still passionate about being the best.

Have you ever made a big mistake in business and if so what did you learn from it?

Trusting someone in business is not a wise thing. Be true always to yourself and trust your own instincts.

What is the most valuable piece of business advice you have ever been given?

Think big, think strategically and never lose site of your vision.