Committee Members United Kingdom
Nicola Miller
AICR UK President
I am currently working at Heckfield Place, a stunning country house hotel set in 400 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside with our own working farm, market garden, arboretum and spectacular ornamental gardens. My first introduction to the industry (and the main reason for me working in hotels now as opposed to becoming a psychologist!) was working as a banqueting casual at The Landmark Hotel. I continued to work there whilst studying psychology at Goldsmiths. My first full time job was at Claridge’s working in reservations. Since then, I have worked at Blakes, The Lanesborough and before moving to Hampshire was Front of House Manager at Cliveden in Berkshire for nearly four years. I joined the AICR UK back in 2003 and became a committee member this year. I look forward to being able to contribute to the amazing work that the AICR does.
Andi J Michie
Head of AICR UK (Scotland)
Joined this AICR in 2017 while serving at Cameron House. Along with 4 other colleagues we formed a Scottish Sub Section of AICR UK to cater for the needs of our Friends in Scotland. We had out inaugural event in the Glorious Playground that is Gleneagles. We have gone on to host 4 events a year, additionally we work closely with the Golden Keys of Scotland regularly being invited to attend their events. I am currently working on a project in the Scottish Borders in a Country Estate with investment of over £30 million. Previously I have held positions with Principal, The Hotel Collection and Cranwell Spa and Golf. The AICR is a fantastic organisation for networking and friendship a like
Johanna Dlugosch
Vice President and Receptionist of the Year Competition Co-ordinator
I am originally from Munich and started my journey in hospitality nearly 10 years ago at the age of 16. After my 3 year apprenticeship I moved to the beautiful city of Kitzbuehl in the Austrian Tirol. I stayed in Austria for nearly 2 years and moved to Scotland to work at the renowned Gleneagles Hotel. During this time I was entered into the Receptionist of the Year competition. I won the competition to become the AICR UK Receptionist of the year in 2014. After this amazing achievement I represented the AICR UK section in Hamburg and was named First Runner up in the International David Campbell Trophy. In 2015 I decided a move to London would enhance my career and became a Duty Manager at The Connaught Hotel, Mayfair, London. I have been a member of the AICR UK since 2014 and was voted onto the committee this year. I am very much looking forward to working with the AICR UK and a very exciting future.
Paola Osorio
Membership Secretary
Working in hotels is all I have known in life. I have worked in the industry for many years, in a variety of properties –resort, city centre, luxury and airport hotels and always in operational departments: Reservations, Time Share, Housekeeping and Front Office. I have not only specialised in Front Office operations but I have always managed large-volume hotels, I am currently working at a 1019 bedroom hotel. In addition to my busy hospitality career, I recently completed a CIPD qualification in Human Resource Management. I joined the AICR in 2016. Having heard about the association for many years, it was always on my ‘to do list’ to join in. Ever since, I have enjoyed every minute of each event and I have become passionate about promoting the Amicale, spreading the word of what we do and becoming involved in alternate programmes such as the Mentoring programme. I am now assisting the committee with the membership section. I truly believe the AICR has a paramount role in the industry and I am very proud to be part of it.
John Henessey
Events
I left school not knowing what I wished to do and after seeing a documentary about The QE2 was fortunate to start at The Savoy in Housekeeping and fell in love with whole identity of 5 star, the demands and the excitement on a daily basis. I have worked some of the most iconic hotels, The Churchill, The Dorchester, The Ritz and still have a genuine passion for the industry. Home House was one of my favorite roles as joined just after the opening. Also worked for Princess Cruises which broadened my horizons and opened my eyes. Then went to back to Middlesex University after returning from sea and obtained a First BA (hons) for my thesis and practical in fashion design. I am now the Club and Operations Manager at The St James Hotel and Club and where personal service and social engagement are the aim and priority
Sally – Ann Jenkinson
Sponsorship
Having started as a receptionist a long time ago in The Crowne Plaza Midland Manchester I moved to London and have worked in several four and 5 star properties including Holiday Inn, St Ermins, Crowne Plaza St James and The Beaufort holding various Front Office roles of reception supervisor, guest relations, front office manager and guest relations manager. Since being Front of House Manager, I am now Director of Guest Experience at the Sofitel London St James where I have worked since the opening in 2002.
Jamie Whiteford
Treasurer
Coming from a family of hoteliers I found myself entering the industry at 16 working for an outdoor catering company. After graduating from the University of Strathclyde in 2010, I moved to London where I had a short spell with Firmdale at Charlotte Street Hotel before jumping ship to be part of the pre- opening team at Corinthia London. This was a phenomenal experience and one which saw me grow into the role of Assistant Front Office Manager, a position I held for my final 2 years there. During my time at university I was also awarded a student scholarship from HIT Scotland, this ultimately lead me to Ace Hotel London Shoreditch as Front Office Manager. I spent 2 years learning a very different style of operation and approach to people before finally making the leap in Feb ’17 to open The Ned with Soho House & the Sydell Group as Front of House Manager. This has been the most enthralling, exhilarating and intense experience to date. I have only been part of the AICR UK for little over a year, joining the committee at the beginning of 2018
