Press Release Date: 12 Apr, 2011
LEADING LADIES OF LONDON
The collaboration of three of the most prominent businesswomen in hospitality has seen the launch of a ladies-only, executive industry group – Leading Ladies of London - in an effort to bring more women leaders into the hotel industry and to share efforts and experiences on how to make it to the top.
The panel of high-powered, dynamic women that have together founded Leading Ladies of London are themselves three of the most successful businesswomen in the London hotel industry. Debrah Dhugga, GM (General Manager) of DUKES LONDON, Anna-Marie Dowling, GM of Guoman’s The Royal Horseguards hotel and Theresa Maw, GM of Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel decided to join forces and create an industry think-tank with a difference – one that would acknowledge and bring together London’s most influential female hoteliers.
Determined to create a voice for women hoteliers at the top, Leading Ladies of London will advocate women making a difference within the London hotel scene. There will be networking opportunities with other like minded executive female groups and mentoring of future stars of the industry. Members of the body will meet six times a year to discuss industry demands and business issues, to exchange ideas and practice of excellence, as well as to inspire members to fulfil their ambitions in an industry which can be traditionally male-dominated.
Founder member Debrah Dhugga, adds ‘We’re not suggesting that it is any more difficult for women to reach the top within London hospitality, as we’re living examples of those that have been successful, its just less common to see a female GM than a male in that position. Leading Ladies of London aims to inspire other women to have a share of voice in the industry and achieve their maximum potential – as three successful leaders of prominent five-star hotels in London, we know first-hand what an impact we can make!”
Founding member Anna-Marie Dowling - recently included in the People 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality - continues, “The reason for creating an official group for female hoteliers in London was quite simple - the five-star market in the Capital can certainly prove challenging and has traditionally attracted male senior leaders. By having a panel that women leaders can relate to, get support and share best thinking with, we hope we can guarantee talented, female hoteliers will continue to make a difference to the future of the hotel industry.”
Leading Ladies of London has already had great interest from prominent luxury retail stores and banks to discuss opportunities for the group and to host meetings throughout 2011.
Leading Ladies of London are inviting fellow women to join, however, to instill a level of exclusivity, membership into the group is only available to women who head five-star hotels in the Capital or those who are leading female thinkers and figures in the hospitality industry.
For further information or for those interested in becoming a member should contact Claudine Roth on 0207 7491 4840 or email claudineroth@dukeshotel.com