Joining Belmond in 2020 as Divisional Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Iain led the company’s Asian hotels through the pandemic.
In his new role, he will be responsible for the newly created Northern Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific division.
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: My first job was working ski seasons in luxury chalets in the French Alps. I learnt it’s always important to have that balance between work and leisure.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Meet as many of my new team as possible.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Go for it!
In the world of travel, it’s about connecting with who and what matters most to us, reconnecting with our loved ones and spending time with them.
We welcome everyone with passion and are interested in creating deep connections with people who are curious to learn about the worlds destinations to kick start their career in travel.
Q: What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
A: It has taught me the importance of having a strong support network around me.
Q: Aisle or window seat and why?
A: Window seat every time because I spend hours looking out of the window wondering about the stories of the people down there.
It is fascinating how travel brings people together from all walks of life, from different backgrounds and with different purpose to come to a place to see, to experience, to connect and to do whatever their purpose is.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office?
A: Do a quick walk around to say hello to everyone.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world and why?
A: French Alps – its home and an absolute playground for all things outdoors. Australian Outback there is just nowhere else on earth like it.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Belmond North Europe, South Africa and Asia Pacific region?
A: I have already been with Belmond for three years in APAC. What I’m looking forward to most is leveraging the expertise across my new division and travelling to the most incredible destinations, from southeast Asia to Cape Town to Botswana.
