About Us

Welcome to AICR UK! The United Kingdom section was founded in 1986, and has grown to become an exciting, active network for Front Office Management of all levels. In 2017 our Scottish sub section was formed. We are one of largest sections, we meet each month to network, hear about the latest industry trends and help emerging talent move forward in their career. The Amicale was founded as a professional organisation, but the name was chosen to reflect the friendship that is built between our members. The aims of the AICR are to facilitate and strengthen the professional relationships between members and to promote and publicise the importance of our profession, developing the profile of the industry through training and development. Our membership constitutes an extensive source of contacts, offering invaluable networking opportunities whilst providing each other with support, information and advice.Throughout the year events are organised for our members offering a wide range of opportunities to get together, to network, exchange our views and share our experiences. Every year we go to the International Congress where we meet our fellow associations around the world. Following this, we will host our own AGM, ROTY final and Christmas event. In addition to these events we also organise networking events, leadership development, mentorships and innovation presentations. We have worked closely with colleges, universities, and Government organisations with initiatives to attract more young people into the industry and to develop their careers within Front Office. A key event in our annual calendar is the Receptionist Of The Year Competition (ROTY). We offer memberships for managers working in Front of House in 4 & 5 start hotels across the UK, as well as Junior Memberships for our Receptionist Of The Year candidates and associate memberships for friends of the organisation. But it is not just about what we do within our own section, our organisation also gives members an opportunity to network Internationally, whether that is attending events such as our International Congress or connecting for help or even just for a catch up when we visit. Follow us on social media to find out about our next event. We look forward to welcome you to the Amicale!

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 President in 2019. I look forward to being able to contribute to the amazing work that the AICR UK and Internationally continues to do.

Johanna Dlugosch

Vice President

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 in 2017. I am very much looking forward to working with the AICR UK and a very exciting future.

Jamie Whiteford

Treasurer

After falling in love with hospitality, studying and working for Radisson in Glasgow I made the move to London almost a decade ago starting my life here with Firmdale. I have since opened two properties, Corinthia Hotel London and The Ned as well as spending time at an alternative offering, Ace Hotel London Shoreditch. Beginning from an early age I’ve always enjoyed pushing the boundaries and exploring alternative ways of offering what we do, my goal is to one day lead my own brand and this is a huge reason I engage with organisations such as the AICR. I joined a little over in 2016 and joined the committee in 2017. In my second year on the committee, I have taken up the role of treasurer.

Louise Brodie

Head of AICR

I am the Head of Guest Experience at Cameron House on Loch Lomond where I have worked for the last two and a half years. I fell in love with the AICR through my experience of the 2015 Receptionist of the Year Award when I was named UAE National Receptionist of The Year while working at Burj Al Arab, Dubai. I went on to compete in the International contest were I was awarded 1st runner up in the competition for the David Campbell Trophy. However, I truly felt we were all winners, thanks to the rich experience which sealed my passion for hospitality. I am delighted to be able to give back to the association along with the seven others who contribute to the committee north of the border. My personal driving force for growing memberships in Scotland is not only to develop a great network of industry friends but also to allow more Scottish Receptionists the opportunity to compete in Receptionist of the Year.

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. In my role as Sponsorship Coordinator for the UK section I have the opportunity to nurture the longstanding relationships with our amazing sponsors as well as seeking new ones.

Hannah Stettler

AICR UK Receptionist of the Year Coordinator

I started my career as a Receptionist outside of London decided to move to London where I joined The Trafalgar for the first time. I then did the opening of the InterContinental London Westminster which was very swiftly rebranded to the now, Conrad London St James. I spent a total of 4 years there eventually leaving as Front Office Manager. I returned to The Trafalgar as Front of House Manager to join their refurbishment project and rebranding to the first Curio by Hilton in London, now known as The Trafalgar St James. From there, I moved to do the opening of the Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment. I joined the AICR back in 2015 but only started going to events in 2017 after signing up to be on the Organising Committee for the 2019 International Congress which we held in London. It was a fantastic 2-year experience and I made some great friends during it, which really encouraged me to become more involved in the AICR UK where I was voted on to the Committee in 2019.

Paola Osorio

Membership Secretary

I joined the AICR UK in 2016.  I have worked in the Hotel industry in various national Hotel companies in Mexico and later joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts which gave me the opportunity to transfer to the UK.  Most recently I worked for Park Plaza Hotels Europe. The roles I have always held have been operational –from Reservations to Housekeeping and of course Front of House and in large-volume hotels. I joined the AICR UK Committee in 2018 and currently I am helping with the administration of Memberships. I have enjoyed every minute of being a member of the Amicale and I have become passionate about promoting, spreading the word of what we do and becoming involved in alternate activities such as the Mentoring programme. 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 requests 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 favourite 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 passionate about personal service and social engagement and currently lead the Front of House team at Flemings. I have been a member of the committee, since 2016. I love organising our monthly events and am always looking for venues!

Jad Lian

Events

I entered the world of hospitality while studying a BA. in Hospitality Management. In 2008 I started working for Small Luxury Hotels of the World as a Night Manager moving to becoming a Head Concierge holding the Clefs d’Or. I worked for many hotel groups in Scandinavia before moving to London 3 years ago where I moved to rooms division as a Guest Service Manager at The Hoxton Shoreditch. In 2019 I took up a new role as Assistant Front Office Manager at the Andaz London Liverpool Station. I joined the AICR UK in 2017 and the committee in 2019. I look forward to keep being part of the AICR UK and assist in organizing the events we offer to our members.  I would also like to see the AICR UK bring on board plenty of young hoteliers and share our knowledge with this new generation. 

Kai Lux

Committee Secretary

My career in the industry started back in 2007 with a 3-year apprenticeship to Hotel Industry Expert, followed by working as Deputy Front of House Manager in a historic, privately owned 4-star superior hotel in a beautiful Art Nouveau town, nestled in the vineyards among the river Moselle. I left Germany and moved to London in 2014, firstly working at the St. James’s Hotel & Club as Duty Manager, among other roles, and since mid-2017 for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in their EMEA Headquarter in Hammersmith, looking after Hotel Operations for the Western Europe Region. Having joined the AICR UK back in 2016, I’ve been passionate about this association and our values. The AICR is more than a gathering for networking purposes, it’s an Amicale, where like minded friends come together to experience and explore the facets and beauty of our industry. I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to its success as committee member of the UK Section.

Emma Jaegborn

Communication & Social Media

I fell in love with the service profession 20 years ago, I have been fortunate to have worked some of Sweden and UK’s most renowned hotels in F&B, Conventions and Front of House. I joined the AICR in 2012 when I was Reception Manager at Claridge’s. I love working with people, seeing my team grow and seeking new ways of improving the service we provide. In 2017 I joined the organising committee for the AICR International Congress 2019 in London. It was an amazing experience to plan the congress as well as welcoming and meeting our fellow sections around the World to London. After the congress I had the chance to join the UK committee, an opportunity I am very thankful for. I hope to see the AICR UK to continue to grow as a section and that we will be able to inspire new talent to our industry.