XpertHost

30/07/2025

🎙️ New Episode — Hospitality Leadership Series 🎧

This week, we sit down with Simon Casson, CEO of Corinthia Hotels — the visionary leader who spearheaded Four Seasons across EMEA before taking the helm of a beloved challenger brand set to make history.

Founded in Malta in 1962 by the Pisani family, Corinthia Hotels has grown into a multinational investor, developer and operator of hotels and real estate. Corinthia Hotels operates a portfolio of award-winning hotels in Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa.

Simon Casson FIH is supporting the company transition from founder led to founder inspired and gearing up for the opening of new properties in Rome, Gewain Island (Qatar), Riyadh, Maldives, Oasis (Malta), and Dubai while ensuring the existing properties deliver outstanding hospitality.

🎙️ We discuss:
✅ Formative lessons from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
✅ Simon’s journey to the top at Corinthia Hotels
✅ His servant leadership philosophy
✅ The value of great mentors and advice for aspiring leaders
✅ The role of wellbeing in high performing leaders and the newly launched book "The Blood Type Cookbook" by Danijela Casson, Simon's wife, designed to help you find your best diet so you can feel at your best.

👉 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and on our website:

https://www.xperthost.xyz/podcast/episode/239330ab/simon-casson-chief-executive-officer-at-corinthia-hotels

🎧 Hosted by Bertran Moreno, Founder of XpertHost

09/07/2025

Meet Kiwi, our official Chief Joy Officer! Bringing tail wags, smiles, and a whole lot of heart to the XpertHost team. . 💙

06/06/2025

🚨 New Episode — XpertHost Hospitality Leadership Series 🎙️

With Simon Woodroffe OBE, Founder of YO! Sushi, YOTEL, and the YO! Company

“Follow your fear to find your destiny.”

We had the immense privilege of sitting down with Simon Woodroffe, one of the most original minds in hospitality, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

From launching YO! Sushi and transforming airport stays with YOTEL, to becoming an original Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Simon’s story is one of bold moves, reinvention, and creative risk-taking.

But this episode is not just about business — it’s about mindset, resilience, and how to lead through personal and professional uncertainty.

🎯 In this episode, we discuss:
✅ How YO! Sushi and YOTEL came to life
✅ Raising capital and taking creative risks
✅ What innovation really means in hospitality
✅ Simon’s 3 life rules (they’ll stay with you)
✅ His latest ideas, and how he’s staying curious
✅ What it means to rebuild your identity after setbacks

Whether you're a GM, founder, investor, or someone navigating change — this episode will challenge and inspire you.

🎧 Listen now:
- On our website: https://www.xperthost.xyz/podcast
- Or on your favourite podcast platform (Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast).

🔗 Connect with Simon: https://yo.co.uk/contacts-resources/

👉 Hosted by Bertran Moreno | Founder, XpertHost — the executive search partner for forward-thinking hospitality brands.

16/05/2025

🇬🇧 The Ultimate Guide to UK Hospitality Visa Sponsorship in 2025 🌍

The UK hospitality industry continues to welcome global talent—yet navigating visa sponsorship remains a challenge for many professionals and employers alike.

At XpertHost, we’ve created a clear and practical guide to help you understand:

✅ Who is eligible for visa sponsorship
✅ What roles are currently in demand
✅ Which employers can sponsor
✅ How the process works step-by-step
✅ Tips to increase your chances of success

Whether you’re a hospitality professional looking to work in the UK or an employer aiming to hire internationally, this guide is packed with up-to-date insights for 2025.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.xperthost.xyz/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-uk-hospitality-visa-sponsorship-2025

We believe in connecting great talent with opportunity—and helping people and businesses thrive, globally.

07/05/2025

🏨 Hotel of the Week: The Dorchester

In the heart of Mayfair overlooking Hyde Park, The Dorchester has long been one of London’s most iconic addresses. Since opening in 1931, the hotel has stood as a symbol of British elegance, attracting royalty, dignitaries, and discerning travellers.

As part of the Dorchester Collection , owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, the hotel blends tradition with forward-thinking reinvention—currently undergoing one of the most ambitious transformations in its history.

🛠️ Renovation & Room Inventory Recovery
The Dorchester began its extensive refurbishment in February 2022, and 2023 marked a key year in its renewal journey:

Newly redesigned public spaces, including the Promenade and Artists' Bar, reopened early 2023

New Rooms and Suites were released in 2024. The interiors were designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). The room inventory decreased from 250 to 241, allowing for more spacious accommodation.

The final phase—refurbishing the upper six floors—will be staged through 2024, with full completion anticipated in 2025.

🎨 Interiors are by renowned designers Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki, mixing 1930s glamour with modern sensibility.

📊 2023 Financial Snapshot
Total Revenue: £47M
Rooms: £22M
F&B & Other Ops: £25M
Estimated Revenue Impact due to ongoing refurbishment: £11.5M
(Attributed to delays in room availability during refurbishment)

Even amidst renovation, The Dorchester maintained a robust trading rhythm—testament to its enduring appeal and strategic positioning.

👤 Leadership
Led by General Manager Luca Virgilio, who joined in 2022, the team at The Dorchester continues to define service excellence while navigating the complexities of transformation.

💼 Why It Matters
Whether you're a:
🧭 Hospitality Operator seeking excellence in legacy brand stewardship,
🏢 Asset Manager evaluating impact of CAPEX on returns,
💼 Executive drawn to global icons with ambitious visions,
🤝 Candidate looking for your next big challenge at the highest level—
The Dorchester is a masterclass in managing brand, guest experience, and asset value simultaneously.

At XpertHost , we work with forward-thinking hospitality companies and exceptional leaders to find the right fit—where people and businesses thrive.

Whether you're an investor seeking impact, a GM ready for your next challenge, or a brand building world-class teams, we’d love to connect.

Let’s build what’s next—together.

02/05/2025

🏨 Hospitality & Real Estate: Where Careers and Capital Meet.

Hotel real estate roles are some of the most strategic, high-impact, and well-compensated paths in our industry — yet many hospitality professionals aren't sure how to break in.

In our latest guide, we cover:
✔️ The key roles across asset management, development, and investment
✔️ Realistic pay expectations
✔️ What it takes to pivot from operations to ownership

At XpertHost, we help top talent explore new chapters — including in hotel real estate.

📖 Read the article: https://www.xperthost.xyz/post/hospitality-real-estate-careers-paths-pay-what-you-need-to-know

28/04/2025

🌟 Hotel Highlight: Bvlgari Hotel London 🌟

In the heart of Knightsbridge, Bvlgari Hotel London stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Italian elegance and British sophistication.

Branded by Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, part of the LVMH family, this property exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury hospitality.

Under the seasoned leadership of Managing Director Duncan Palmer MI, FIH, CMA , the hotel continues to thrive.

In 2023, the hotel reported a turnover of £33.3 million and a gross profit of £14.8 million, reflecting its robust performance in a competitive market.

What sets Bvlgari Hotel London apart is its unwavering commitment to excellence:

🔍 Design & Architecture: A collaboration with local architects Squire & Parttners, and design architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel and Partners, the hotel's design seamlessly integrates traditional aesthetics with contemporary Italian architecture.

🔍 Guest Experience: With a reported 50% to 60% repeat guest rate, the hotel prioritizes personalized service and maintains consistently high rates year-round and inspires loyalty.

🔍 Strategic Leadership: Duncan Palmer's extensive experience, including roles at The Beaumont Mayfair and The Murray Hong Kong, brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to authentic guest experiences .

At XpertHost, we connect exceptional talent with extraordinary opportunities.

We believe that great leadership builds legendary brands — and we exist to help people and businesses thrive.

By shining a light on outstanding hospitality achievements, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders and support the continued success of our industry's finest properties.

Would you like your property to be featured next? Let's connect.

25/04/2025

🧳 Leaving well is just as important as leading well.

If you’re considering a change in your hospitality career, this guide is for you. Learn how to resign from a leadership role gracefully, professionally, and strategically — while preserving the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.

💼 At XpertHost, we support you through every career move — from entry to exit, and everything in between.

📖 Read here: https://www.xperthost.xyz/post/how-to-resign-from-a-hospitality-executive-role-gracefully

Resigning from a senior role in hospitality isn’t just a formality—it’s a strategic move that shapes your legacy. This guide walks senior hospitality leaders through a graceful exit, with best practices to protect your reputation, support your team, and set yourself up for long-term success.

23/04/2025

⚠️ McKinsey’s #1 Warning for Hospitality Hiring in 2025: ‘Culture Fit’ Will Make or Break Your Team.

According to McKinsey’s 2024 Global Hospitality Report, 79% of leadership hires fail within 18 months due to culture mismatch—not skills.

Why? The best resumes can’t fix:
❌ Resistance to change (AI, sustainability, hybrid work)
❌ Misaligned values (profit vs. people focus)
❌ Inability to inspire teams post-pandemic

Employers - Are you hiring for skills or survival?
Candidates - Does your interview strategy showcase your leadership DNA?

At XpertHost, we bridge the gap. Message us for a confidential discussion.