A career that doesn’t disappoint:
Hospitality Exchange, organised by NI Hotels Federation, takes place on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 October at Crowne Plaza Belfast. The event will welcome as a guest speaker John Scanlon, General Manager of 45 Park Lane. John who originally hails from Kerry has had a long and distinguished career in London. John Scanlon epitomises the very essence of hospitality. NI Hotels Federation visited the Dorchester Hotel earlier this year for a show-round when he was combining his role as GM of 45 Park Lane with running the Dorchester and followed up with this interview to get his thoughts on the industry:
John Scanlon believes that hospitality is in the bones of the Irish. He was always interested in the concept of hospitality as a way of living and when he was successful in getting a place at Shannon College of Hotel Management he says: “I never looked back. My career in hospitality has met all my expectations. I really enjoy dealing with people, solving problems and achieving results!”
He notes that the most significant change in the hotel industry since he started his career has been the role of technology and computerisation adding: “the immediacy of data and technology as a means to book has impacted the sector. The growth of revenue management has been another significant change.” These are changes that he has embraced and as a former director of revenue in the Dorchester Group, he is often credited with embedding a forward-thinking revenue management culture across all the company’s hotels.
When asked about the current skills shortage, he answers pragmatically that it is not a new issue, saying: “There has always been pressure to find the right employee with the right skill set. The situation is deep rooted in both Irish and British culture in terms of attitudes to service and has been around for a long time.” In his own career, he adds that he was lucky to have: “a number of industry professionals whom I met early on in my career, who took me under their wing and mentored me.” This coupled with a natural affiliation have allowed him to progress along a great career path.
Career highlights include working in some of the top hotels in London and travelling for work to open new and interesting hotels around the world. When asked what makes a great hotel manager, he reflects: “integrity, passion, hard work and a desire to succeed; liking people helps a great deal!”
A dapper figure, well known for his enthusiasm and pragmatic approach to business, John will give a firsthand insight into the industry in which he still has a real passion for at the Speaker Lunch at Hospitality Exchange on 18th October 2017. Come along and be inspired, book now at www.hospitalityexchange.co.uk.
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