SPOTLIGHT ON
Leon Larkin
Founder & President of the International Association of Hotel
General Managers
Leon Larkin has crossed the
globe in senior operations
and marketing roles with
iconic hotel brands like Orient
Express, InterContinental,
Starwood, Shangri-La and
Sheraton. He recently
founded the International
Association of Hotel General
Managers, and shares
his thinking behind the
association as well as some
exciting new events lined up
for the future.
You have recently launched
the International Association
of Hotel General Managers
(IAHGM). Tell us a little bit
about the organization…
I had a wonderful career
as a GM for over 40
years. The job offers some
exceptional opportunities but
it also presents some unique
challenges and I began to feel
that an extra level of support
and was needed - that’s what
IAHGM has been designed
to offer. It is the world’s first
and only industry association
dedicated exclusively to the
hotel General Management
community and we want
to raise the profile of hotel
GMs as well as providing
professional and personal
benefits, such as portable
healthcare and insurance
options. Our research shows
GMs move companies five or
six times during their careers
so portability is a huge factor
28 ILHA
to ensure they are covered in
case of transfers, redundancy,
change of employment
status and retirement. As an
independent body we can also
provide an active professional
networking environment,
industry intelligence,
career opportunities and a
communication channel with
other members on a global
scale.
What are some of the
highlights of your own career
as a GM?
I have been very fortunate
having had the opportunity
to work in some excellent
hotels at a fascinating time
and in some terrific locations.
All my assignments had
their highlights and all the
companies I worked for
gave me fantastic learning
opportunities that enhanced
my experience across the
board. Three assignments in
China, the first at the end of
1990 and the last in the early
2000s, saw enormous change
both in the country itself and
certainly in the industry - the
growth was unbelievable.
Probably my greatest
highlight was working in St
Petersburg one of the great
cities of the world in my last
GM assignment at The Grand
Hotel St Petersburg.
Helping young hoteliers
in their careers and