Hotel Cateys 2016: Human Resources Manager of the Year

Sponsored by Just Chefs

Tristan Knight, Rosewood London

Tristan Knight joined Rosewood London in June 2013 as part of the pre-opening team. He established and implemented the human resources strategy for the eagerly anticipated 306-room luxury property, which opened in the heart of Holborn in October 2013. The hotel was fully operational with all outlets from April 2014.

Rosewood London employs more than 400 associates, and Knight's role also included talent acquisition, talent management, total rewards and organisational development.

His dedication resulted in him being made area director of human resources in 2014.

Earlier this year, Knight was promoted for a second time to regional director of human resources. His key areas of focus include partnering with the senior leadership team and corporate team to determine and foster Rosewood’s strategy, build the brand, attract talent and drive engagement.

Knight is considered a key asset to Rosewood Hotels and Resorts in Europe, supporting the company’s long-term growth plan by ensuring a strong pipeline of talent is grown and nurtured from within. More than 90 individuals were developed into new positions at Rosewood London and Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco in 2015 alone.

Knight is an advocate for strong employee relations and recruitment practices and has encouraged his team to gain recognised HR qualifications. His core philosophies put people at the heart of everything he does. Knight has implemented a number of initiatives to improve training, skills and retention across the brand, while managing a team of six in London, four in Paris and three in Tuscany. Health and safety training has increased by 20% year-on-year, while the quality measures that the hotel is assessed against rose by 6.5%. A Sense of Exploration programme was introduced to allow all employees to experience two fully paid days per year in departments of their choice. This year, 20 employees have benefited from the scheme.

Knight launched an employee wellbeing strategy at Rosewood London, taking a holistic approach to encompass all aspects of employees’ social, health and family wellbeing, rather than just financial. As a result of these initiatives, and more, Rosewood London saw a 10% reduction in labour turnover from 2014 to 2015. The trend has continued into 2016, with labour turnover 8% behind 2015.

What the judges said

“Tristan has implemented strategic-led initiatives that have had a positive effect on the engagement, retention and wellbeing of the team.”

Julia Murrell, Firmdale Hotels

“Tristan demonstrates solid HR practices within Rosewood. He has implemented strategies that put people at the heart of the hotel.”

Ros Young, Rocco Forte Hotels

“A well deserved two promotions in the last two years are testament to Tristan’s dedication and leadership. He is an excellent example of putting people at the core of the business.”

Jo Harley, Purple Cubed

Shortlisted

Sharvari Deshpande The Capital, London

Sarah Hoyle The Grand hotel, Eastbourne

Tristan Knight Rosewood London