WiH2020 report showcases successful women in hospitality

Operators including the Royal Lancaster London general manager Sally Beck (pictured), Compass Group executive director Sapna Sood and Dishoom head of marketing and creative Sara Stark have been recognised by the inaugural Women to Watch in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index 2019.

The report, compiled by WiH2020, recognises female role models in hospitality, tourism and leisure and highlights the continued under-representation of women at board level.

Rather than rank the women featured, the report recognises 90 individuals who demonstrate leadership, commercial impact, entrepreneurialism and their wider contribution to the sector and society.

The report found that while 36% of direct reports to board level are women, less than 11% of chief executives are female, despite a record year for promotions to senior roles for female talent.

Tea Colaianni, founder and chair of WiH2020, said: “The Index has unearthed a monumental wealth of personal and professional stories, successes, tips and lessons learned. These women are inspiring role models with diverse backgrounds, nationalities, education, race/ethnicities, experiences and ages.”

Sophie Dekkers, director of scheduling at EasyJet and one of the women featured in the Index, added: “When our former chief executive Carolyn McCall joined in 2010, she was a real figurehead. A visible female role model was critical in opening my eyes and making me think, ‘that is something I can achieve’.”

The full version of the Women to Watch in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index 2019 can be downloaded here.