Global association for hotel general managers launches in Dubai
An international association designed to raise the profile of hotel general managers has been launched in Dubai.
Membership of the Honourable Order of International Hotel General Managers (HOIHGM) is open to all current hotel general managers, as well as those who have previously served in the position, owner/operators, and aspiring young professionals working toward the role. It will aim to raise the profile of general managers and provide a range of benefits, including healthcare and insurance.
The body has been founded by Leon Larkin (pictured), a retired Australian general manager. During a 40-year career, Larkin worked as a general manager at the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg; InterContinental Prague; and the Great Wall Sheraton hotel, Beijing.
He said he wanted to create something similar to Les Clefs d'Or organisation for concierges.
"Before now, GMs have had nowhere to go for independent assistance or support, both in general and particularly in times of need," explained Larkin. "The more members we attract the more we can offer and I hope people will join us knowing that together we have a chance to change the future of our industry forever."
Larkin, as president of HOIHGM, is supported by an international board of 11 governors, including Prue Leith, former chef-restaurateur and one time board member of Orient-Express Hotels (now Belmond) and Ruth Hunt, former proprietor of Combe House, near Honiton, Devon, (currently being converted to the Pig at Combe) who has returned to live in her native Australia.
Later this year, HOIHGM intends to host a world congress in Dubai on the subject of hotel security and featuring awards such as the International Hotel General Manager of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.
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