Our People & Their Journeys

 
 
How long have you been with Leonardo Hotels?

I started with the company back in 2012.

Describe your journey with us so far

I first started off in Birmingham. The property had a full refurb and they were looking to open a new restaurant on the ground floor, so I helped set that up. I then relocated to another property within the company as an Executive Chef. I have been an Executive Chef for about 15 years now.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I love the people I work with. Since being here, I have developed and promoted 5 people.

What support have you had from Leonardo Hotels in your career?

I have the opportunity to help out other hotels with new restaurant openings and menu developments. It’s a great way to not only showcase my skills but develop them and gain wider exposure. It’s brilliant that they trust my skills and expertise!

What are your future plans?

I would like to continue learning and developing the group’s food offerings.

 
How long have you been with Leonardo Hotels?

I have been with the company for 3 years now.

Describe your journey with us so far

I first started off as an Apprentice at one of our properties in Aberdeen. This was an 18-month programme where I covered 6 months each across 3 departments, which was a great way for me to learn about everything in the hotel; it really helped me start my career! Once I finished the programme, I was the Food & Beverage Supervisor and have now been promoted to Duty Manager.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

The variety: no two days are the same. We see a diverse range of guests in the hotel – families, corporate, leisure – always so fun!

What support have you had from Leonardo Hotels in your career?

I am currently doing the Insights Trainee Management Programme, which is brilliant for those looking to have a career in hospitality and grow in to managerial roles. I don’t feel out of the loop: I’m always informed and taught how to be great. I also find that the managers around me are all positive mentors and very approachable, which is really good for someone like myself who is looking to grow in the company.

What are your future plans?

I am looking to complete my Insights Programme in the next 12 months and continue to take on my role as a Duty Manager. I have a lot of exposure to the different areas of the hotel so I want to keep my options open for now as to what my next steps are.

 
How long have you been with Leonardo Hotels?

I joined the company in June 2006.

Describe your journey with us so far

I started off as a Group Reservations Agent at our property in Nottingham. I worked my up to Cluster Revenue Manager and expanded into different clusters so I would have more exposure and experience. I have been a Regional Revenue Manager for the last 6 years.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

For me, it has been seeing things coming into fruition: being involved with projects from the start and when they come to life it’s always a great sense of satisfaction seeing the hotels do so well.

What support have you had from Leonardo Hotels in your career?

I have had great support in my career so far – I always felt that I was very trusted and had the opportunity to grow further and further. The reward schemes we have really do make a difference in making you feel appreciated and recognised for the hard work you do.

What are your future plans?

I want to continue growing with the company and helping hotels achieve their goals.

 
How long have you been with Leonardo Hotels?

I joined Leonardo Hotels in February 2022.

Describe your journey with us so far

I was referred by a friend who currently works for the company, and was offered the role as a Sous Chef for one of our flagship properties in London.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I think the atmosphere is something that I love the most about working for the company. We are all such a great team and you can really see how well we work together during our busiest time! Nothing is ever too much for us.

What support have you had from Leonardo Hotels in your career?

I have had great support so far: I was offered sponsorship with my role, and with being new to the UK everyone was very helpful and checked in to see how I was settling in. This really makes a difference and adds to the experience.

What are your future plans?

I am excited to see how I can grow further with the company. I have had the privilege to cook for David Fattal himself and various members of the senior management team, and the compliments I have received are a great sense of achievement. It motivates me to really push myself more and grow.

 
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH LEONARDO HOTELS?

I started with the Company in January 2023.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY WITH US SO FAR

I was told about the opportunity through DWP. I was invited for a work trial and was soon offered the position as Food & Beverage Assistant, covering the breakfast shifts. I do support with the lunches during busier times too.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?

Making the guests happy and providing the best support to the team are what I enjoy the most about the role. I love meeting new people and it is fun interacting with guests.

WHAT SUPPORT HAVE YOU HAD FROM LEONARDO HOTELS IN YOUR CAREER?

I get a lot of support when it comes to my mental health. My team is very kind and understanding about my needs and they are always there to support me when I need them. Some challenges can be awkward and make it difficult for me to work but my manager is aware and is very understanding about it. He knows how to support me and gives me the time I need to adapt so I am able to give my best.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

I feel very valued and cared for; I hope to stay with the company for a long time.