Gary Rolfe
Epsom,Surrey
Summary
I’ve built my career across a diverse range of environments, starting out as a croupier on a cruise ship where I spent several years travelling the world and working with people from many different cultures. After settling in London, I joined The Ritz and progressed to Director of Gaming, leading a team of around 100 staff. A major part of my role involved recruitment, training and day‑to‑day development, supporting people to grow in confidence, build skills and perform to a high standard.
I later owned and ran a Merry Maids franchise in Surrey, managing a team of 30. This included recruiting and mentoring university students and young team members, helping them build experience, develop professionally and move on to further their careers. Across all of these roles, the consistent thread has been supporting people, encouraging their development and creating a positive, steady environment around them.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Buddy
Kingston Buddy Scheme
Kingston, Kingston
01.2015 - 05.2026
- Built and maintained a long‑term supportive friendship with an adult on the autism spectrum with learning difficulties.
- Provide consistent emotional support, practical help and social engagement, adapting communication and activities to his needs.
- Encourage confidence, independence and positive routines through regular meet‑ups and ongoing support.
- Developed strong skills in patience, empathy, active listening and building trust over tim
Franchise Owner
Merry Maids of Kingston
01.2017 - 03.2026
- Recruited, trained and developed a team of 30, including university students and young staff in their first jobs.
- Provided day‑to‑day coaching, helping team members build confidence, communication skills and workplace behaviours.
- Created a supportive environment with clear routines, expectations and structured training.
- Led all people‑management activity, including performance support, wellbeing and safeguarding awareness.
- Built strong relationships with staff and customers, modelling professionalism and positive behaviour.
Director of Gaming
Ritz Hotel Casino Ltd
London, London
09.1998 - 11.2014
- Led a team of around 100 staff in a high‑pressure, luxury gaming environment, with full responsibility for recruitment, training and ongoing staff development.
- Designed and delivered structured training programmes, ensuring staff were confident, skilled and able to meet the high standards expected by the Club.
- Built a stable, high‑performing team through effective hiring, clear communication and consistent support, resulting in exceptionally low staff turnover.
- Managed sensitive operational areas, ensuring compliance, professionalism and a safe, well‑run environment for both staff and guests.
- Worked closely with team members on the gaming floor, modelling calm communication, problem‑solving and high standards of behaviour.
Various Roles
Casino Industry
London, London
09.1989 - 08.1998
- Worked in a range of casino roles across the UK and internationally, gaining extensive experience in fast‑paced, multicultural environments.
- Spent three years as a croupier on the QE2 and other cruise ships, working with guests and colleagues from diverse backgrounds while travelling globally.
- Held positions in several London casinos, developing strong communication skills, professionalism and the ability to remain calm and supportive under pressure.
- Built early foundations in teamwork, customer service and mentoring junior colleagues entering the industry.
Education
High Performance Leadership -
Hemsley Fraser
First Aid Training -
Health & Safety Level 2 -
Skills
- People Management & Team Leadership — leading teams of up to 80 staff in high‑pressure environments
- Recruitment & Onboarding — hiring, training and integrating staff at all levels
- Coaching & Staff Development — building confidence, skills and positive behaviours through structured support
- Training Delivery — designing and delivering training programmes tailored to different learning styles
- Safeguarding Awareness — supporting vulnerable individuals and maintaining safe working environments
- Conflict Resolution — managing sensitive situations calmly and constructively
- Communication & Relationship Building — building trust with staff, customers and vulnerable individuals
- Operational Leadership — running complex operations with responsibility for people, processes and standards
- Financial & Business Management — budgeting, forecasting and managing P&L for a £350k operation
- Compliance & Governance — ensuring high standards across regulated environments
- Adaptability & Cultural Awareness — working internationally and with diverse communities
Professional Development
- High Performance Leadership, Hemsley Fraser
- First Aid Training
- Health & Safety Level 2
Volunteer Experience
Kingston Buddy Scheme, Volunteer, 2015-01-01, Present, Supporting individuals with learning disabilities to access social and leisure activities., DBS Certified
Hobbies and interests
- Golf, Gym, Walking, Cycling, My Dog, Cinema, Films and the Community.
Timeline
Franchise Owner
Merry Maids of Kingston
01.2017 - 03.2026
Buddy
Kingston Buddy Scheme
01.2015 - 05.2026
Director of Gaming
Ritz Hotel Casino Ltd
09.1998 - 11.2014
Various Roles
Casino Industry
09.1989 - 08.1998
High Performance Leadership -
Hemsley Fraser