Robert McKenna
Renfrew
Summary
Results-driven Operations Leader with 20 years in luxury transport, hospitality, and event logistics. Managed complex operations for government, corporate, and VIP clients, enhancing business growth and operational efficiency. Led diverse teams and fostered supplier partnerships while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of General Operations
Little's Chauffeur Drive Ltd
01.2022 - Current
- Partnered with senior leadership on operational strategy, budgeting, resources, and business growth.
- Drove continuous improvement work to raise efficiency, customer satisfaction, and service quality.
- Coached managers and supervisors to foster accountability and embed a continuous-improvement culture.
- Planned operations for government diplomatic and VIP movements, maintaining service and security compliance.
- Directed chauffeur dispatch operations, conducted quality checks, and enhanced customer service for reservations.
- Managed planning and execution of large events, ensuring seamless delivery and high satisfaction.
- Built supplier relationships and improvement programmes, tripling international supplier base.
General Manager
Little's Chauffeur Drive Ltd
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Managed COP26 delivery at the time, the largest event in company history.
- Enhanced cross-department collaboration, facilitating planning for major international events.
- Coordinated daily business operations, ensuring team alignment with priorities.
- Maintained business continuity during COVID-19, implementing furlough scheme effectively.
- Developed future leaders through structured mentorship and regular performance check-ins.
Operations Manager
Europcar Chauffeur Services
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Standardised day-to-day processes to enhance consistency across the operation.
- Coordinated onboarding and ongoing support to maintain aligned staffing from launch onward.
- Recruited Scottish team members to ensure successful and reliable operation launch.
Operations Manager / Reservations Executive
Little's Chauffeur Drive Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Coordinated resources and schedules to optimise service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Established standards for operational process changes to facilitate company growth and enhance service quality.
- Directed chauffeur dispatch and scheduling to ensure timely service delivery and operational efficiency.
Assistant Manager
Ibis Hotel
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Managed front-of-house operations and coordinated food and beverage team shifts to ensure smooth service.
- Develop staff training plans and run daily customer service briefings.
- Handled hotel recruitment process and coordinated interview schedules to attract qualified candidates.
- Progressed from receptionist to team leader, then to assistant manager, demonstrating adaptability and growth.
Skills
- Operational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Supplier management
- Supplier Development
- Procurement sourcing
- Event Logistics
- VIP & Diplomatic Operations
- Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Budget planning
- Risk Management
- Team Leadership
- Customer Experience
- Calm under pressure
Achievements
- Created and expanded the Luxury Touring Department at Little’s, increasing revenue by 400% over five years.
- Developed a supplier improvement programme that tripled the approved international supplier base over three years reducing costs and improving quality.
- Managed transport operations for COP26, Presidential visits and diplomatic delegations.
- Led ground transport operations for major sponsors of the British Open Championships on site, generating over £600,000 in revenue over eight tournaments.
- Promoted through successive leadership roles at Little's.
Timeline
Head of General Operations
Little's Chauffeur Drive Ltd
01.2022 - Current
General Manager
Little's Chauffeur Drive Ltd
01.2016 - 01.2022
Operations Manager
Europcar Chauffeur Services
01.2015 - 01.2016
Operations Manager / Reservations Executive
Little's Chauffeur Drive Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2015
Assistant Manager
Ibis Hotel
01.2001 - 01.2007