S8 Ep. 140 UNVEILING THE SECRETS OF SUCCESS IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY WITH CHRIS WAYNE-WILLS, CEO OF CRERAR HOTELS

Supersonic Hospitality Marketing Podcast Sponsored by Vita Mojo feat. Mark McC

CEO of Crerar Hotels, the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year 2023/24, Chris Wayne-Wills joins Mark McC on this week’s episode to discuss his career, his experience in the hospitality industry and the unique culture and approach of Crerar Hotels.

Chris emphasises the importance of personalised guest experiences and attention to detail and highlights the company's focus on quality, local experiences, and the development of their properties to offer the best possible service to guests. Chris also touches on the challenges facing the industry, such as the residual impact of the pandemic, business rates, VAT issues, and recruitment difficulties post-Brexit.

Chris reflects on his appearance on "The Apprentice" and how it showcased the challenges and opportunities in the hospitality sector. He also mentions his involvement with UKHospitality Scotland and the ongoing efforts to address industry trends and challenges. Throughout the episode Chris Wayne-Wills provides valuable insights into the world of hospitality, emphasising the importance of personalised service, quality experiences, and adapting to the changing landscape of the industry.

About Chris Wayne-Wills

Chris Wayne-Wills is a seasoned hospitality industry executive with over 25 years of experience in senior management positions. Originally from Cardiff, Wales, Chris embarked on his hospitality journey as a sales manager, quickly rising through the ranks to assume leadership roles at some of the UK's most prestigious hotel brands.

With a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence, Chris's career trajectory reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector. He has held key leadership positions at renowned hotel groups such as Marriott International, Macdonald Hotels, and QHotels, where he honed his expertise in revenue growth, new business development, and marketing communications.

In April 2020, Chris took on the role of CEO at Crerar Hotels, a high-quality hotel group based in Scotland, overseeing a portfolio of seven four- and five-star properties. Under his leadership, Crerar Hotels has thrived, earning accolades such as the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year.

Beyond his role at Crerar Hotels, Chris is deeply involved in industry advocacy and professional development initiatives. He serves as Chairman of UKHospitality Scotland, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and advocating for the interests of hospitality businesses across Scotland. Chris is also a trustee of HIT Scotland and a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing talent and driving positive change within the industry.

Known for his strategic vision, dedication to social responsibility, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Chris Wayne-Wills continues to inspire and lead the hospitality industry towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswaynewills/

Crerar Hotels website: https://www.crerarhotels.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Vita Mojo.

About Vita Mojo:

The future of your restaurant, built together.

Vita Mojo’s all-in-one platform helps restaurants increase ATV, run more efficiently and deliver an exceptional, fully-branded guest experience. Our restaurant management platform transforms your online and off-premise order sources - including delivery networks - in one fast, reliable and easy-to-use system.

Vita Mojo is trusted by leading hospitality operators such as LEON, YO! And GAIL’s, as well as midsize and large restaurants across the UK and Europe to continuously innovate - beyond their menu. To find out more visit vitamojo.com/supersonic

Our Silver Sponsors are:

Airship and Toggle:

Airship is a data-driven CRM for the hospitality industry. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and pubs can use Airship to email marketing and create personal relationships with their customers.

Check out https://airship.co.uk/ for more information.

Saved by Robots:

Saved by Robots are passionate about creating compelling brands and memorable experiences through great design, engaging storytelling and genuine authenticity.

Visit Savedbyrobots.com to get in touch

NFS Hospitality:

NFS combine innovative hospitality and booking system technology with first-class customer service to deliver outstanding long-term value.

Find out more at https://www.nfs-hospitality.com/

About Mark Mcc:

Mark McCulloch is one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in the world. Mark has over twenty years brand, marketing, digital and social media experience holding senior and board-level positions at lastminute.com, Barclaycard, YO! Sushi and Pret A Manger. Mark co-founded multi-award-winning brand and marketing agency WE ARE Spectacular in 2012 which is still going strong today. Mark is now fulfilling his lifelong ambition to live and work by the sea in Brighton where he is a Virtual Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Strategist for the best hospitality, tech and B2B brands in the UK and beyond. Mark is also a popular thought leader, speaker and broadcaster, the highlight of which being in 2018 when Mark began podcasting and his Mark McC Supersonic Food Marketing podcast hosting guests including the greatest digital mind in the world Gary Vaynerchuk plus music legends Fatboy Slim and Alan McGee (the man who discovered rock band Oasis). Mark’s podcast has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times and has reached the top 10 in the UK iTunes business charts and is a regular Top 100 podcast in multiple countries around the world helping educate, entertain and inspire both the marketing and business community. Mark is also the Campaign Director for Hospitality Rising which is an 'Be The Best' army style campaign for hospitality to help solve the hospitality recruitment crisis forever.

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