John Hollywood

• Directed comprehensive succession planning initiatives across Iconic Hotels & Resorts, aligning talent pipelines with organisational objectives and ensuring continuity in key leadership positions.
• Create and implement team, supervisor and management bespoke courses for Iconic Hotels UK and Europe.
• Part of the opening team at Gran Marbella Hotel and Amu Restaurant, Spain in 2025. Implementing all pre opening training and operational standards with Asset Manager.
• Collaborate as part of the original founders of the Annual Iconic Leadership Conference. To engage and recruit motivational speakers and input into conference message and themes.
• Directed the administration and advancement of internal learning programmes, utilizing Learning Management System platforms to deliver management programmes, work experience, cross training, and apprenticeships.
• Company lead and management of our external LMS - Mapal/Fourth/Yapster.
• Supporting and advise the Heads of Department and Trainers to deliver operational skills and knowledge training. These include specialising in Food and Beverage Service and operational management.
• Maintained consistent communication with property General Managers by holding regular alignment meetings to integrate training and development programmes with business objectives, utilizing stakeholder management and alignment strategies.
• Responsible for the creation of the Iconic Training Needs Analysis across the business.
• Analysis and implementation of training needs per property, department and individual.
• I collaborate with L+R Hotels Global stakeholders in building and developing Management in Training programmes across the global L+R Hotels portfolio.
• Build and expand the learning library across the collection with developmental information and resources for all team members to use.
• To collaborate, develop and deliver our internal 'Engage' app to all team members of Iconic Hotels.
• To increase engagement of the teams and create a sense of belonging into all Iconic team members through numerous peer to peer platforms.
• To be an active part of creating, developing and implementing the Culture, Vision and Values of Iconic Hotels with Executive Director.
• The constant review, analyse and understanding of culture change and to recommend change in order to be an industry leader.

• Headed the programme to create and implement the LFC Hospitality Training Programme for the reopening of the stadium in 2015/16. This included Food & Beverage, Reception & Concierge, Events Management, Back of House and Facilities Management.
• Designed and delivered an LFC Management Training and Leadership Programme, which has led to other department heads using this format to train their staff.
• Processed and trained over 1500 new employees with the support of the Staffing department, for the expansion and opening of the new Main Stand in 2016.
• Created and implemented the LFC induction with HR dept, whereby core values and company guidelines were instilled within all new employees.
• Responsible for measurement strategy and performance analysis of all training and inductions, whilst ensuring retention of staff.
• Composed and introduced Standard Operating Procedure manuals for the Hospitality department, comprising eight new individual hospitality concepts for the company; this covers five thousand (5000) guests during one sitting on match days. Oversee operationally 6 concepts which hold 3000 covers.
• Working closely with the Executive Chef and General Manager, implementing new ideas and standards, with strong emphasis on customer experience.
• Working closely with all departments regarding external feedback, provided by 'Visit Football', with whom LFC were ranked #1 in the UK for hospitality and operations. Within five years LFCs position has risen from seventh to first.
• Mentoring junior management and Duty Managers of the company.
• Created a LFC Junior Leadership Programme for college students studying NVQ Levels 1-2 (Wirral Met and City of Liverpool Colleges).

Worked as a self-employed hotel and restaurant consultant within the North West of England.

Basing myself in Merseyside and Cheshire I accrued numerous contracts within the hospitality sector over a four year period. This was due to a terminal illness within my family where I needed work flexibility.

• Examples of Clients: The Vincent Hotel, Southport, Panoramic Restaurant, Liverpool, MacDonald Hotels and Resorts PLC: Manchester Piccadilly and Portal Hotel, Tarporley, Tate Catering: The Bluecoat Liverpool, Aiden Byrne Restaurants.

• Managed all operational aspects of hotel business, encompassing 32 bedrooms and award-winning restaurant.
• Achieved an annual occupancy rate of 94% through strategic sales and marketing initiatives.
• Oversaw conference and banqueting rooms, including weddings, ensuring exceptional event execution.
• Implemented service standards and updated departmental procedures with heads of department.
• Mentored heads of department to uphold high operational standards and guest satisfaction.
• Collaborated daily with proprietors and managed all department heads effectively.
• Directed refurbishing project for historic building in coordination with contractors and maintenance team.
• Ensured compliance with all human resource and legal requirements across business operations.

• General Manager - Northcote Manor
• Operations Manager - 30 St Mary Axe
• Restauant Manager - Cliveden House