Acorns 2021: Philip Egan, 28

Executive assistant manager, Fairmont St Andrews

Nominator Stephanie Reith, digital and communications manager, Fairmont St Andrews

Described by a colleague as “a very humble and thoughtful leader”, Philip Egan’s success since joining the five-AA-star resort reveals he is also ambitious.

Having studied hotel management at Shannon College in County Clare, Egan joined Fairmont’s leadership development programme in 2014 and quickly showcased his understanding of leadership values, working his way up to assistant housekeeping manager by 2016.

His recent promotion sees him lead a team of 150 and report directly to the area general manager. He also sits on the executive committee as its youngest ever member.

His financial acumen is evident in his successful restructuring of the rooms division during the pandemic, including introducing lobby ambassadors to assist guests on arrival. The department subsequently overachieved its monthly upsell target and generated more than £14,500 in additional rooms revenue.

The development and mentorship of his team is clearly high on his agenda, too. When one team member was struggling on the nightshift last year, Egan dropped everything to join them and remind them of their value and ability. The team member has since earned promotion to supervisor due to Egan’s continued mentorship.

He also finds time to support education, and is an associate member of staff at Dundee University as a mentor for Fairmont St Andrews’ graduate apprenticeship programme.

What is the most positive people change you see for your sector post-restrictions?

“The mutual understanding of shared experiences has led to a greater connection between colleagues and guests. The sharing of our experiences is now a fundamental part of hospitality, as we begin our journey to what will be the future normality of the business we love.”

Photography: Hospitality Media/Adrian Franklin

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