LEADER 5 - April 2010

Welcome to our spring edition - Mark Norris

Mark Norris, CEO of Profile, invites you to explore the latest issue of Leader. Once more, Leader captures and celebrates the lives and work of the pioneers, trend-setters and role models at the heart of our fantastic, rewarding and tenacious industry.

His own man- Geoffrey Gelardi

Geoffrey Gelardi had the good fortune of being born with an hotelier’s spoon in his mouth. But beyond that, the Managing Director of The Lanesborough has built a formidable reputation for ceaseless innovation and knowing just what to do for his gilded guests.

Chefs for starters - Sjefke Jansen

Sjefke Jansen is General Manager of The Oberoi Mauritius, the perfect hideaway amidst twenty acres of sub-tropical gardens. The beach stretches a third of a mile; villas have private swimming pools and pavilions gaze into the Indian Ocean. In 2009, the resort was named Mauritius’ Leading Hotel at the WTA.

Chefs for starters - Adrian Rudin

Adrian Rudin is General Manager of the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, a luminous monument to modern Arabic style with 214 luxurious rooms and suites spread over a kilometre of private beach. The hotel forms part of the Qaryat Al Beri complex and enjoys a reputation for fine cuisine.

Chefs for starters - Gerd Knaust

Gerd Knaust is General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Sanya, a 12-hectare tropical retreat on the southernmost tip of China’s Hainan province. The new tourist hotspot, Sanya has been compared favourably to Miami, Hawaii and Cancun, and was voted the hotel ‘Best for Privacy’ by Conde Nast Traveller.

Leading Ladies - Amanda Hyndman

Amanda Hyndman (nee Scott) has been General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Washington D.C. since October 2009. The hotel, which fuses ‘East and East Coast’ comprises 400 rooms and suites, and is walking distance from Capitol Hill and other stately monuments in arguably the world’s most powerful city.

Leading Ladies - Wendy Morris

Wendy Morris is the new General Manager of the design-led boutique Hotel de la Paix, a landmark in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The hotel boasts stunning Art Deco features, spacious deluxe rooms and suites, and an award-winning spa. Its central location is ideal for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.

Finding Paradise - Marcel Levy

Marcel Levy is the cosmopolitan Managing Director of this Roman idyll. The Hotel Eden floats like a cloud above the city. Six elegant stories of classical Italian architecture poised at the summit of the Spanish Steps in the historic Ludovisi district, the hotel marked its 120th anniversary in 2009.

Special Treatment - Heather Blankinship

Heather Blankinship is the Spa Operations Director at luxury hotel group Amanresorts International. Heather’s philosophy is based on a strong belief that every spa should draw on the traditions, remedies and culture of its unique location to provide a truly holistic and life-enhancing experience for each guest.

Postcard from Kenya - Mark Somen

Mark Somen helped to run trendy Soho House in Manhattan before returning to his native Kenya as General Manager of equally cool Tribe – The Village Market Hotel in Nairobi. He sends Leader thoughts from home.

Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme - Stuart Johnson

He started the Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme to help groom future leaders and stem the exodus of young talent from a skills starved industry. Stuart Johnson, once the youngest hotel manager in the history of The Savoy, says it’s time to give something back. Leader listens.

What are you Reading? - Emma Jayne

The HR Director of Four Seasons in London shares what she’s reading now.

A Presence in China - Winnie Chiu

Five years ago, Profile ventured into China and Southeast Asia, appointing seasoned hotelier Winnie Chiu to drive things forward. It was a well-judged move.

Line of Luxury - Gina McAdam

Who wants to cruise? Apparently, a lot of us. Leader Editor Gina McAdam went sailing the high seas. She reports on a celestial cruise.