INTERNATIONAL. The UK-based WiHTL group has launched its 2022 ‘Women to Watch & Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index’, showcasing “incredible female talent” within those industries.
Produced in partnership with human resources consultancy MBS Group, the index highlights the “depth and breadth of female talent” in the sectors while aiming to recruit newcomers.
| “When we started the W in WiHTL stood for Women, it now stands for even more” WiHTL’s mission is to support companies across the hospitality, travel and leisure industries to create diverse and inclusive environments and to positively impact 5 million employees globally by 2025.
While gender remains a core pillar of the group’s work, WiHTL has expanded its remit to cover race and ethnicity and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by other under-represented groups. |
The index includes profiles of 61 women distinguished for their commercial and operational excellence, industry and social impact, achievements, resilience and commitment to the industry.
Also included are 20 Role Models for Inclusion, individuals from all backgrounds who are playing a central role in moving the dial on DE&I both in their organisations and communities.
Among those featured in the index are Domino’s Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Baron; Wagamama Customer Director Kay Bartlett; IHG Hotels & Resorts Director Brand Culture & Service Lucy Branch; Virgin Atlantic Head of Retail & Channel Effectiveness Katie Carter and British Airways Director of Sustainability Carrie Harris.
The report also offers comments from easyJet Director of PR & Corporate Affairs Anna Knowles; SSP Group Chief Customer Officer Angela Moores; SSP America Director of Design, Construction & Integration Stacey Rush and SSP Group Director of Corporate Affairs Sarah John.
John considers her experience of role modelling within the hospitality sector. “With much of my earlier career in finance I did not come across many senior female role models and so it is now a particular passion of mine,” she notes. “I am focused on how we support ambitious young women through a mentoring scheme with senior women across the Group.
“There is such a huge spectrum of roles and routes to success. Sometimes someone just needs to shine a light on it for you and give you that bit of confidence to go for it.”
Role Models for Inclusion includes Wagamama Head of People Development Beth Clarke, British Airways Director of HR Francesca Coupe and McDonalds Head of Franchising Stephanie Gayet.
Shanika Trotman, Partnerships Manager at easyJet and Role Model for Inclusion nominee, comments: “I’ve only joined the travel industry in the last three years and have never felt so seen and so heard in the drive for inclusion in the workplace.
“Being a Role Model for Inclusion means that people around me feel like they can be their full authentic selves. And I think that’s so crucial for everyone’s life”.
WiHTL Founder and Chair Tea Colaianni said: “The key theme in this year’s Index is inspiration. I have no doubt that the professional and personal stories we have highlighted will inspire the next generation of talent to enter and progress within our exciting and inclusive sector.
“They will also inspire all leaders to be advocates and allies working together to create inclusive environments for everybody.
“Congratulations to all the Women to Watch and the Role Models for Inclusion on their fantastic achievements.”
McDonald’s Corporate Senior Vice President International Operated Markets Paul Pomroy commented: “People who’ve been included in this group will go on to do great things in this industry. And it’s so important to make sure that the outstanding women on the list get the opportunities they deserve in their future careers.
“It also makes amazing business sense to have a diverse workforce that represents your community, your customers, it makes your decisions stronger and helps you adapt better.”
MBS Group Director Thirza Danielson commented: “For over 30 years, the MBS group has been seeking to move the dial on diversity within the sectors we serve.
“Back when we published the first edition of this index in 2019 in partnership with WiHTL, there was a perception that a barrier to progression of the DE&I agenda was a lack of women leaders in the hospitality, travel and leisure industries.
“Fast forwarding to today, and after publishing four indexes and featuring hundreds of female leaders, I’m confident that we’ve dispelled that myth.”
The full version of the Women to Watch & Role Models for Inclusion in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index 2022 can be downloaded here.
