While serving as the Chairman of the Management Board of WYSE in my previous position, I was approached by the other Board members to take over the running of this near bankrupt Not for Profit Organisation. Over the course of the last 5 years I have turned around the organisation to be a respected player in the Youth and Student Travel community, with 430 members across 68 countries and endorsed by UNESCO.In order to achieve this, I had to re-establish relationships of trust with… Show more While serving as the Chairman of the Management Board of WYSE in my previous position, I was approached by the other Board members to take over the running of this near bankrupt Not for Profit Organisation. Over the course of the last 5 years I have turned around the organisation to be a respected player in the Youth and Student Travel community, with 430 members across 68 countries and endorsed by UNESCO.In order to achieve this, I had to re-establish relationships of trust with associations, members, board and creditors – renegotiating debt repayments and adhering meticulously to all new arrangements and agreements. Another key aspect was the recruiting and restructuring of staff, embedding new processes, setting individual key objectives and forming a cohesive and motivated team. We managed to grow turnover to €2.2m, (representing a growth of 45%) and return a balanced budget. Annually we arrange six conferences and events across the globe to position the Confederation as a reliable, sustainable and preferential partner for Youth and Student travellers.Challenges along the way have included closing insolvent companies and establishing new entities, introducing integrated IT systems, CRM and websites.I manage the organisation within a matrix management structure, guiding and directing the confederation and its associates in strategy, operations and collaborative projects. I have full ownership of P&L, balances sheets, budgeting, cash flow and forecasting, while monitoring and improving financial disciplines. An enjoyable part of my duties is to represent the confederation at conferences - addressing and presenting to tourism bodies and government authorities. Show less

I was appointed to grow and improve operations of a self-funding charity providing accommodation and social facilities for UK and international students in London. Together with CEO and Executive Board, we grew turnover to £8.1m, net profit to £1.6m and managed a portfolio of 500 beds and 60 flats.By implementing new budgeting processes, marketing interventions and reservation channel management, I achieved the following key milestones:  An annual bed occupancy rate of… Show more I was appointed to grow and improve operations of a self-funding charity providing accommodation and social facilities for UK and international students in London. Together with CEO and Executive Board, we grew turnover to £8.1m, net profit to £1.6m and managed a portfolio of 500 beds and 60 flats.By implementing new budgeting processes, marketing interventions and reservation channel management, I achieved the following key milestones:  An annual bed occupancy rate of 97% Increase in accommodation sales by 15% in 2012 50% improvement in Conference and Banqueting sales over 5 years A GP margin of 72% - an increase of 4%, by optimising pricing structures and supplier negotiations I oversaw cost savings in various departments – Property Services, IT, Marketing, Contract Caterers, Bar Sales, etc. In conjunction with Executive Director, I developed a new property acquisition/ disposal strategy including disposal of a Grade 1 listed building and its replacement with a purpose-built block.In addition, I restructured the Property Services department i.e. maintenance request turnaround periods and stock control while creating, training and implementing the adoption of new Standards of Service across the organisation. These efforts culminated in a Customer First, IIP Gold and ranking in Times Top 100 NFP. Show less

The conference division of International Student House

Having been involved in WYSE Travel Confederation by being the Treasurer of the accommodation Association (STAY WYSE) I was well placed to join the Management Board of the Confederation. Within a short while I was then voted by my peers to become the Chairman of the Management Board where my role was to direct and guide the Director General in the strategic development of the Confederations business plans whilst representing the Confederation on the global youth travel platform.

I was Treasurer and a Board Member of STAYWYSE, a global association promoting safe travel and accommodation for young people.

I was instrumental in facilitating a management buyout from the previous owner and grew sales by 50 percent in the first year by expanding sourcing and procurement activities to international markets, obtaining new product lines. We managed to retain 65% of professional and installation customers in addition to building a new customer base. I also developed a sophisticated website at a time of emerging technology which allowed customers to mix and match their purchase packages.

I joined as General Manager and was promoted to this multi segment entertainment and technology company. I became Managing Director in 1999.

General Manager of a 120 bedroom golf and leisure hotel.

General Manager of a 70 bedroom golf and leisure hotel.