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Who we are
Hospitality Titans is so much more than just a membership.
Titans is led by our founders Liam Norval and Pete Warden and run by a Leadership Committee that is ably supported by the Founding Member’s Board. This group of talented business leaders has a passion for hospitality, brought to life through extensive careers and experience, and a clear motivation to better the future of the hospitality industry.
Through key events, members can network with peers, investors & innovators, as well as listen to exceptional guest speakers & receive important industry updates. Members will also have the opportunity to put forward ideas, thoughts, challenges and concerns that are relevant to them and receive feedback and support from the Titans.
To collectively move forward and continue to navigate our industry, we need to come together, nurture new ideas and invest in new talent. Titans is ready to lead the way for the future of this industry, and we would love for you to join us.
Co-founders
Liam Norval
Founder, Posh Cockney
Liam Norval is a hospitality expert based in London. He specialises in Marketing, PR, Sales & Operations...
Liam has a proven track record in restaurant openings and managing many successful marketing campaigns that have achieved a fantastic ROI for his clients. He continually focuses on business growth using innovative strategies to drive excellence across operations and service. His other key strengths lie in the ability to build, develop, and manage high performing teams, leading by example and delivering training as a hands-on mentor.
Liam is dedicated to achieving high standards and exceptional quality in customer service delivery as well as chairing regular team meetings to share knowledge and best practice. He combines commercial and financial acumen to control budgets, manage P&L and realise cost savings by effectively negotiating with external suppliers. Liam employs time management and strategic planning throughout his work; project managing end-to-end in order to exceed client expectations.
Pete Warden
Founder & Managing Director, LXA Hospitality, MD Maria G's Restaurants
Pete Warden is a career hospitality professional with vast experience and expertise in restaurant set up/launches, operations and concept creation...
He fell in love with hospitality at a young age and has worked extensively in both UK and the Middle East. He has overseen more that one hundred new restaurant openings in over a dozen countries and still loves the challenge and excitement of them!
Pete leads multiple businesses in the hospitality sector as well as sitting on the board of several more. He is passionate about the industry and his upbeat, can-do attitude inspires teams to continually strive for success.
“As we live and breathe hospitality everyday, we have designed our very own ecosystem dedicated to being innovative, brave and energised. A palpable community that offers a voice for new talent, but most of all, provides a community to nurture and inspire for tomorrow.”
The Board
Rupert Culme-Seymour
Founder, R3N Consulting Ltd & Seeking Out Solutions Ltd,
Rupert progressed his 19 years in the Brewery sector through the mergers & acquisition of Courage to Heineken UK ...
with a career spanning roles in supply chain, sales capability and On-Trade sales leadership. Moving to the Hospitality Trade Association sector and as Chief Operating Officer he assisted the merger of The Association of Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) to form UKHospitality.
Further commercial skills and experience were enhanced in the Occupational Health & Wellbeing sector whilst becoming an ILM endorsed Leadership Coach & Institute of Hospitality Member & Mentor.
He is the founder of both R3NConsulting Ltd, a strategic business consultancy and Seeking out Solutions Ltd that offers a bespoke coaching and mentoring service to individuals and teams.
In May ’22 Rupert became an affiliate member of the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches ™ as a Registered Corporate Coach™
Morris Greenberg
Managing Director, CDG Leisure.
Morris Greenberg started Gilmarc Associates in 1998, focusing on operators in the Leisure property market in the UK...
since then the business has evolved to CDG Leisure Ltd and has become one of the most active boutique leisure property consultancy in London. Based in Soho, London W1, Morris has established himself as a creative and personable deal maker having been involved in a multitude of prime London and UK Leisure deals as well as bringing key international operators into the UK, such as Egg Slut, Bosporus, Hallal Guys, Taco Bell, Simit Saray, Wingstop amongst many others. With his experience in the industry he puts new and established buyers in the market at ease with his knowledge and his ability to make sure the most difficult of deals have a good end result for all parties involved.
Matt Ford
Director of Business Development, Krowd It
An accomplished and high achieving Marketing professional with many years’ experience working across ...
An accomplished and high achieving Marketing professional with many years’ experience working across the hospitality sector notably as Head of Marketing for Hawksmoor. Recently Matt has moved to Krowd.info has Head of Business DevelopmentProven track record in developing and delivering campaigns with a focus on brand, marketing and customer acquisition.
An influential professional who can motivate, educate and bridge the gap to achieve results by building longterm and mutually beneficial internal & external stakeholder relationships.Excellent communication, analytical and reporting skills, with proven ability to seize opportunities, whilst building long lasting relationships and mutual respect at all levels.
Shirann Rose
CEO, Sass Productions
Shirann Rose is a perfectionist that loves creating entertainment experiences in the hospitality world...
Specializing in bespoke shows, unique specialty acts and innovative concepts, she started out 10 years ago performing in all the top West End venues herself. This is where she began to network and build Sass Productions, a successful agency providing the most talented performers all over the country.
Jim Robertson
Managing Director, Barrio Bars
Having loved hospitality from a very young age and moving abroad aged 17 to get a taste of the scene...
Having loved hospitality from a very young age and moving abroad aged 17 to get a taste of the scene, Jim’s London career started at Boulevard Brasserie in Covent Garden as a waiter, where he quickly worked his way up to General Manager by the age of 22. By age 25 he had shares in the business and led the opening of Boulevard dining room and Boulevard Deli.
After a successful sale of the business to Med Kitchen, Jim moved to join the multi-site Maxwell’s group where he started as a General Manager at Palm Court Brasserie. Over the next 13 years Jim built his reputation through turning failing sites into successes, including the launch of multiple venue and event concepts such as Old Compton Brasserie, Disco 54 at Café De Paris and Tropicana Beach Club. He also created, developed and implemented the UK’s first gourmet fried chicken restaurant under the Maxwell’s brand; Joe’s Sothern Kitchen. Through passion and determination for exceptional operational and customer service skills, all of his successes led to his appointment as Group Operations Director.
Jim has now joined Barrio Familia as Managing Director, which currently operates four sites in London as well the highly respected members club in Soho, Disrepute. Barrio has recently been acquired by Nightcap PLC which leaves the task of taking Barrio and Disrepute to every major city across the country in the coming years.
Gary Sewell
Founder, Sintillate
Following a successful career as an international model (1993-2005), Gary Sewell founded the multi award winning party promotion & lifestyle brand SINTILLATE...
Through his vision, SINTILLATE has become one of the leading lifestyle brands in Europe & has now hosted over 12500 events throughout the UK, Europe & beyond & in 2014 Gary was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the London Club & Bar Awards.
Gary has also been behind the success of his own nightclubs Superna in Leeds, Empire in Liverpool and Paradigm in Mallorca, creating the brands & concepts & overseeing the interior designs of them all.
He continues to consult on several other projects and plans to open Bohemia in Manchester in 2020/21, a new restaurant & bar concept.
Frederick Szydlowski
Co-Founder, Embargo App
Frederick Szydlowski, Co-founder & CMO of the Embargo App UK’s leading loyalty and CRM platform...
For hospitality venues including famous brands like The Gentlemen Baristas, Crush, Honi Poke, Hermanos Coffee, Wing Shack Co. and another nearly 1,500 venues.
Starting as a manager at Joe & The Juice he quickly climbed the hospitality career ladder by becoming the youngest Head of Marketing in the hospitality industry at the age of 21. His in-depth understanding of the industry, entrepreneurial drive and marketing skills help Embargo to deliver the best solutions for coffee shops, restaurants and bars allowing them to drive more repeat business and stay in touch with key customers via an easy to use, plug & play loyalty solution.
Rosie Marsh
Head of Sales UK, Swingers - The Crazy Golf Club
Proud to be one of the youngest Titans, Rosie is an experienced hospitality and marketing professional with over 10 years worth of experience...
in the hospitality industry.
Previous roles have included stints at Novus Leisure, Miroma Leisure, and as a consultant at Bums on Seats with clients such as YO! sushi, ETM, Greene King and All Star Lanes.
Rosie has now found her ‘forever home’ as Head of Sales at prestigious hospitality group, Swingers- The Crazy Golf Club.
As well as having a passion for hospitality, Rosie is a proud advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, especially within the industry.
Ants Rixon
Managing Director, Entoria & Co
Ants has been heavily involved in the UK On-Trade for over 20 years covering both regional and national business management roles within Boutinot, Bibendum & MCW in that time...
With both professional and family experience in winemaking and hospitality, he’s at home in the constantly changing and competitive UK food & drink scene. A keen sportsman and devoted father – his spare time is spent ‘helping’ the Wine Trade Sports Club Charity OR on the sideline of a football pitch somewhere in Surrey.
Ksenia Shuvakina
CEO, InHype
Ksenia started her career in hospitality seven years ago, organising events for Russian-speaking students in the UK...
Now, she is the co-founder of inhype.events and hosting events across the UK bringing the most famous singers from Russian-speaking countries.
She also recently joined smarthostuk giving her access to more than 100 luxury apartments in central London for letting and sales.
David Rooney
Partner & Design Director, LXA
Creative Director and founding partner, Dave, is the driving force behind LXA’s creative output...
With over 20 years’ experience, Dave has orchestrated award-winning design solutions across numerous sectors. However, his singular passion remains the creation of amazing restaurants and bars. He’s also a progressive patriot, scooterist, and an enthusiastic rugby coach.
Wesley Mendy
CEO & Founder Prestige Events Magazine, Saville Row Masks
Wesley, CEO, and creator of Prestige Events Magazine (est.2003) and its market-leading spin-off events, the COOL Venue Awards, and the 20/20 Club.
Since lockdown, created and launched Savilerow Masks to wide acclaim, and in autumn next year launches his first large expo, The Sustainable Event Show. This year marks Wes’s 25th year in the world of events.
Gillian Hoffman
CEO, 19 Events
Gillian director of 19events started her career in hospitality as the director of events at cafedeparislondon and then Home the super club as co-directors with Paul Oakenfold...
She has been instrumental in the launch of a number of hotels and venues as well as consulted on a number of hospitality businesses with regards to their success and productivity. Whilst running her agency 19 events, she is currently working with Sean Hepburn (Audrey Hepburn’s son) on bringing a 3-month exhibition to London called “intimate Audrey”. Set to become a cultural and iconic 3-month treat for London in 2021.
Simon Hands
Managing Partner, Madello Capital
Simon started his hospitality career at the 3 star Michelin restaurant Le Gavroche in London under the acclaimed Albert Roux...
Following his successful training, he was part of the opening team that launched the French bakery Paul within the UK. Other 12 locations were opened while he was General Manager. Ping Pong Dim Sum and Arkadiy Novikov were a part of his outstanding achievements with Phiencia Beirut Lebanon being the definition of his career achievements. Madison was next on the list, where he designed and developed one of London’s most exclusive rooftop restaurants & bars. Fenicia Barcelona is his most recent development as an owner.
Julian Hindmarsh
Partner and Head of Real Estate, Howard Kennedy LLP
Advising commercial occupiers, with a focus on retail and leisure, Julian Hindmarsh leads a 100-strong Real Estate team.
Julian has an enviable reputation in the retail and leisure sector and his key skill is helping international brands launch in the UK. His retail and leisure clients range from high-profile national and international fashion, restaurant, and health and fitness brands to luxury labels including jewelry, eyewear, and fashion retailers.
Many of his clients have operations worldwide, with stores, concessions, distributors and warehouses found across all of the key markets.
Michelle Moreno
Founder, QAB Leadership
Michelle Moreno started QAB Hospitality in the last few months, a journey in time all of us are unsure of. What she knows is that she loves this industry...
The opportunity to grow and discover, the grit and creativity to achieve anything, and to be able to share these experiences with phenomenal people. Having fallen into a waitressing job in the pre-opening of Asia de Cuba back in 1999, her life, not just her career, took a direction that she will be eternally grateful for. After several years, she went on to work with Nobu restaurants in Europe, traveled and opened restaurants and concepts in Mauritius, Europe, and the Middle East. Now she wants to support, assist innovation, and coach on all elements of the hospitality world, especially on doing “Good Business” and being a great leader.
Jason Gale
Founder, London Lifestyle Awards
Jason Gale an expert marketeer of nearly 30 years and founder of the London Lifestyle Awards® is passionate about helping businesses reach their target audience and maximizing communication strategies...
The London Lifestyle Awards® celebrate the best of hospitality, the arts, health & fitness and beauty have now attracted over two million public votes. His hospitality career started as the youngest promotions manager for the Rank group that owned Ritzy nightclubs and went on to work with independents and groups alike from members clubs to restaurants to bars and hotels, helping them create communication campaigns and maximising their returns. He is a keen advocate of the power of new media and the use of influencers but combining with traditional marketing elements such as events and press promotion.
Lucy Beckwith
Founder, London Lifestyle Awards
Lucy Beckwith is the CEO of Stardust LDN and Celestial Cinema and has become a leading voice in the world of immersive events.
Lucy is a creative and strategic talent who built up 3 businesses from the ground.
Her insight into the business world began when she was young, with her family founding the hugely successful City Cruises. Lucy created her business Stardust LDN, the UK’s first fully immersive winter events company. Alongside Stardust LDN, Lucy runs Celestial Cinema, an immersive drive-in cinema experience which currently provides entertainment from the comfort of your own home through Home Edition.
Her insight into the business world began when she was young, with her family founding the hugely successful City Cruises. Lucy created her business Stardust LDN, the UK’s first fully immersive winter events company. Alongside Stardust LDN, Lucy runs Celestial Cinema, an immersive drive-in cinema experience which currently provides entertainment from the comfort of your own home through Home Edition.
Stardust LDN has huge plans for this winter, kicking off with the ultimate end of Summer party this September – Beach Brunch on Brick Lane.
Lucy is a busy mum of two and a strong advocate for mums in business. She understands the struggle of balancing being a mum with building a business and uses her voice to help remove the stigma surrounding this.
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