AICR United Kingdom » Committee Members United Kingdom

Committee Members United Kingdom

Sebastian Knoerr

President AICR UK

I joined the AICR UK in 2013 and became a member of the committee in 2016, I am passionate about the friendships and opportunities the AICR UK offers to each of its members. Having worked in London Hotels from the age of 18, including 2 ½ years at The Savoy Hotel starting as a Receptionist, then almost a decade working for The Ritz London and now proudly as Front Office Manager for The Four Seasons at Park Lane. It has always been my passion to gain an innate understanding of people, their behaviour and what makes them tick. As Front Office employees, we are the welcoming face of London and the UK, it is our job to inspire others through the positive contributions associations like the AICR make to our industry. Enabling one another to reach their potential without prejudice so they can reap the benefits of this deeply rewarding industry.

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

Nicola Miller

Vice President + Membership

I am currently working on the pre-opening of 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.

Corinne Bellaby

Treasurer

I joined the AICR UK in 1992 and became a committee member in 1999. I volunteered to be Membership Secretary a role I carried out until 2013 when I changed roles and became the AICR UK Treasurer. Having worked in the Hospitality Industry for over thirty years in Hotel Operations, both Front Office and Revenue Management, I am now semi-retired. I carry out administrative work for a couple of revenue management organisations and occasionally do telephone systems training for Hotel Technology Management.

Olivier Renard

Events

Originally from South of France, I moved to London for a year or so after graduating from my hotel management school…and here I am, 15 years later, stuck in the big smoke! I did my London debut as a receptionist at the Royal Lancaster and left 8 years later as Front Office Manager of the Lancaster London. After learning so much over the years in what was for me a fantastic school, I had the desire to try boutique hotels and worked for a couple of years at the Royal Park as Front of House Manager. I was then intrigued by more contemporary properties, where the culture would be similar, but the service provided is a lot more relaxed and the product simple. I joined the Hoxton Shoreditch in January 2012 as Guest Services Manager and really enjoyed spending 4 years in this vibrant neighbourhood. I moved to the corporate world in 2016 and currently manage the guest services department for an investment bank.

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.

Johanna Dlugosch

Social Media, Website 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.

Susan Craig

Public Relations

I fell into Hotels at the age of 16 when I worked for Marriott Hotels in Newcastle as a breakfast waitress! I then decided F&B was not so much for me so moved to Front Office. Although I got to the level of Hotel Manager, I decided that Front of House was where I wanted to be. I carried on my Rooms related career until I moved to work in the Corporate sector in 2007, running Reception Desks for large corporations. I joined the AICR UK in 1997 and then joined the Committee in 2006 after my Receptionist won the UK Receptionist of the Year Competition and I went to my first International Congress - I knew I wanted to be part of this amazing association. I stepped down from the committee as Vice President in 2013 and returned in 2015 and recently, February 2017, have the honour of being asked to be a Councillor.

Jamie Whiteford

Membership

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