Welcome to Leader 8 - Mark Norris

‘Lucky 8’ in China, and good news is so important when there’s been a terrible amount of the opposite. Our hearts go out to the Japanese people who have shown such dignity and courage in this time of hardship and uncertainty.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is celebrating its 20th anniversary, having seen both its membership and global presence grow seven-fold since 1991. Paul Kerr is the CEO who made it happen. Gina McAdam met him.

The newly refurbished Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane opened its doors this January with a trio of top chefs. It’s been non-stop ever since, but Michelin-starred Executive Chef Adriano Cavagnini, Executive Sous Chef Mario Perera and Restaurant Chef Davide Degiovanni made time for Leader.

Effective marketing adapts to the mindset of today’s luxury travellers and the many ways they can be engaged. So says sales and marketing guru Peter J Bates.

My perfect getaway finds me in the mountains, on skis, enjoying the scenery and nature. I’m crazy about skiing.  Listening to music on my iPod while skiing is, for me, the perfect getaway from day-to-day life.

Arnaud Bouvier, President of ESHotel, talks about the French hotel school’s demanding yet ultimately rewarding ‘Project Management Learning’ approach.

Carl Weldon, Chief Executive of BAHA – British Association of Hospitality Accountants – charts the 40-year rise of an organisation now firmly at the centre of what hospitality is about. From Finance to IT to Revenue Management, BAHA represents some of the key disciplines of a fast-changing industry.

Whoever thinks the kitchen too hot to handle could learn a thing or two from the passion of thousands of 12-16 year olds who sign up every year for the Springboard FutureChef competition. 2011 produced yet another worthy winner.

When it comes to luxury hotels and boutique residences, the Philippines’ cosmopolitan capital is at the top of her game. Leader Editor Gina McAdam wasted no time making the rounds. And oh, the breakfasts!

Tanya Rose shares an insider’s knowledge to travelling in style. It’s all in the subtitle: ‘My favourite luxury hotels and hidden gems from around the world.’ Travel Secrets is not an author’s wish list, it’s a personal best list, since Tanya Rose leaves you in no doubt that she knows these hotels inside out.