Our team is made up of exceptional individuals who have a successful track record at senior level in some of the country’s leading hotel brands and independent hotels. We are small team of dynamic leaders who take pride in management by example and are integrated into each and every business we manage.
Managing Director
- Richard EllisonRichard EllisonFounder & CEO01738 310528 | 07738 539816Richard EllisonRichard EllisonFounder & CEO01738 310528 | 07738 539816
Throughout the various roles Richard has held within 29 years of hospitality experience they include, Operations Manager at Gleneagles, where he was a senior manager responsible for the delivery of the G8 Summit in 2005, General Manager at various hotels throughout the UK for both globally branded hotels and unbranded properties and a director of one of Scotland’s largest event management companies.
He has been recognised nationally at UK level at the Caterer & Hotelkeeper awards and at the Scottish Hotel awards for his management achievements
Currently Managing Director of 7 Hospitality Management (UK), he has supported investors in the brokerage, feasibility, acquisition, completion and management of the multiple hotels. He has provided both public and private sector with hospitality feasibility studies for hotel developments and lectured on tourism and hospitality at Queen Margaret’s University, Edinburgh.
He is the company’s link with financial intuitions, legal representatives, leading the investment due diligence team and offers a UK directorship service.
Graduating from Strathclyde University (UK), Cornell (USA) and Lausanne (Switzerland) with a MBA in Hospitality & Tourism leadership, he also holds a Higher Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management from Cornell University (USA)
Specialises in: Hotel Operations, hotel commercial improvement, Hospitality Real Estate acquisitions, feasibilities
Property Management
- Gary HumeGary HumeHead of Property01738 310523Gary HumeGary HumeHead of Property01738 310523
Gary oversees all property related areas such as Health & Safety, Maintenance and Compliance, Leisure facilities, Information Technology and Brand Standards.
Gary is also responsible for all Capital Expenditure projects from conception to installation. Gary is the company’s key contact supporting in operational and development project management in new build and /or hotel refurbishments, currently working on a multi-million pound refurbishment in Windermere
Gary has worked in both hospitality, retail and leisure industries.
IOSH qualification
Brand, Marketing & Sales
- Dr Andrew MartinDr Andrew MartinDirector of Strategy and Management DevelopmentDr Andrew MartinDr Andrew MartinDirector of Strategy and Management Development
- Conner HutchisonConner HutchisonHead of Brand and Marketingconner.hutchison@7hospitality.co.ukConner HutchisonConner HutchisonHead of Brand and Marketingconner.hutchison@7hospitality.co.uk
- Lynnel FarrowLynnel FarrowGroup Commercial Directorlynnel.farrow@7hospitality.co.ukLynnel FarrowLynnel FarrowGroup Commercial Directorlynnel.farrow@7hospitality.co.uk
- Nicola LewisNicola LewisMarketing Managernicola.lewis@7hospitality.co.ukNicola LewisNicola LewisMarketing Managernicola.lewis@7hospitality.co.uk
- Natasha LupoNatasha LupoGroup Sales Managernatasha.lupo@7hospitality.co.ukNatasha LupoNatasha LupoGroup Sales Managernatasha.lupo@7hospitality.co.uk
- Laura BrowneLaura BrowneGroup Events Managerlaura.browne@7hospitality.co.ukLaura BrowneLaura BrowneGroup Events Managerlaura.browne@7hospitality.co.uk
Andrew is our 7 H hotel strategy guy. Andrew is our communication link between the hotel general managers and the centre, as well as looking after management development.
Andrew brings a unique skill set to 7 H after successful careers in both hotels and Higher Education.
He is proud to remind us that he was Swallow Hotels (Vaux Group) youngest ever General Manager, going on to manage three properties, as well as gaining experience of multi-site management, pre-opening, and disposals.
During his time with Robert Gordon University he created, and ran, the Scottish Centre of Tourism as Director. This Centre delivered academic undergraduate course, launched a post graduate course, undertook funded research and consultancy. Andrew was part of the senior team in the Aberdeen Business School and held the responsibility for staff development.
Andrew holds a hotel and catering degree from Napier, Edinburgh, an MBA from Aberdeen University and a PhD from Robert Gordon University. His PhD was on hotel general management across contemporary business models. In 2009 he enjoyed a secondment as Visiting Professor to Washburn University in Kansas.
But he’s no dusty academic. Andrew held the post of Vice-Chair of the Aberdeen and Shire Hotel Association for 7 years, and latterly Chair. During this time, he championed a joined-up approach to tourism destination development across the city region, working with all stakeholders and advising Holyrood on tourism policy.
Since leaving Higher Education Andrew has been involved with strategy within the Third Sector, serving as Chair for Braemar Castle Ltd, and sitting on the Boards of: Grampian Transport Museum (Alford), The Burn (Edzell), Portsoy Community Enterprise, and Braemar Community Limited.
In his down-time Andrew hosts events and indulges his passion for cars and motorbikes, which led to him writing a monthly column in the press.
Conner boasts an extensive background in the Marketing industry, with a career spanning over 15 years, dating back to her initial role in radio promotions. Renowned for her innate creativity, Conner possesses a distinct vision when it comes to our brand strategies. She is the driving force behind conceiving, defining, and overseeing the execution of global marketing and digital campaigns.
Dedicated to ensuring optimal channel engagement, Conner oversees both central and local teams, lending her expertise to content posting and copywriting, while rigorously ensuring that all project content aligns seamlessly with brand guidelines prior to distribution. Her role also encompasses the development and execution of marketing plans in collaboration with local teams, all with the overarching aim of elevating brand visibility and driving sales.
What sets Conner apart is her multifaceted skill set, which includes the ability to handle all graphic design tasks for our properties. She specializes in the entire brand creation process, seamlessly transitioning from design conceptualization to implementation.
In addition to her impressive career in marketing, Conner’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to successfully operate her own events venue. This experience allowed her to further hone her expertise in Branding, Marketing, and Sales.
Conner’s journey is underpinned by her commitment to education, as evidenced by her graduation from the British Ballet Organisation, where she earned a degree in teaching.
With over 12 years of experience in the dynamic world of marketing, Nicola leads the local teams with social media management and digital marketing with and a meticulous focus on organisation and attention to detail. Nicola creates and executes comprehensive brand positioning strategies that resonate with target audiences. With a keen insights into consumer behaviour, market trends leading to developing and implementing effective marketing campaigns, resulting in significant brand growth and presence within the market.
Natasha Lupo is the Sales Manager at 7 Hospitality Management. In this role, she is responsible for leading and supporting the sales efforts of the on property sales teams to surpass their revenue goals. Natasha brings over 8 years of experience in the hospitality industry working with such iconic brands as Hilton, and independent assets such as COYA and Dukes Hotel in the London market negotiating with Corporate Transient, Groups, as well as Leisure markets and representing her respective hotels at various industry trade shows.
She excels in building lasting relationships with our corporate partners, event planners, and travel agencies and understands the unique needs and preferences of each client.
Natasha has successfully completed the Hilton School of Sales training and is currently studying for her bachelor’s degree in Business Management in London.
Finance Team
- James SalmondJames SalmondHead of FinanceJames SalmondJames SalmondHead of Finance
- Stephen BirchStephen BirchCluster Finance ControllerStephen BirchStephen BirchCluster Finance Controller
- Alana ByersAlana ByersCluster Financial ControllerAlana.Byers@7hospitality.co.ukAlana ByersAlana ByersCluster Financial ControllerAlana.Byers@7hospitality.co.uk
- Elvira CooperElvira CooperCluster Finance Assistantelvira.cooper@7hospitality.co.ukElvira CooperElvira CooperCluster Finance Assistantelvira.cooper@7hospitality.co.uk
- Mark WebbMark WebbCluster Financial Controllermark.webb@7hospitality.co.ukMark WebbMark WebbCluster Financial Controllermark.webb@7hospitality.co.uk
- Jennifer SalmondJennifer SalmondCluster Finance Assistantfinance@7hospitality.co.ukJennifer SalmondJennifer SalmondCluster Finance Assistantfinance@7hospitality.co.uk
- Vicky McGowanVicky McGowanCluster Finance ControllerVicky McGowanVicky McGowanCluster Finance Controller
- Veronica WebbVeronica WebbPayroll Managerveronica.webb@7hospitality.co.ukVeronica WebbVeronica WebbPayroll Managerveronica.webb@7hospitality.co.uk
- Yvonne BatemanYvonne BatemanCluster Finance ControllerYvonne BatemanYvonne BatemanCluster Finance Controller
- Isla CraigIsla CraigFinance Team01738 310529Isla CraigIsla CraigFinance Team01738 310529
With a substantial career in data and document management, bookkeeping, and payroll, Veronica gained valuable expertise through a variety of roles. Along the way, she continuously sought out in-house training opportunities to further develop her skills.
Isla Craig is a part-time member of our finance team and provides bookkeeping support to 7 Hospitality Management itself, as well as for selected clients. Isla is a Member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), and holds their advanced Bookkeeping qualification and additional qualifications in Payroll and Self-Assessment taxation. As well as her work for 7 Hospitality Management, she runs a small bookkeeping practice.
Isla has a background in retail and has spent 16 years in partnership with her husband running an award-winning tourism-led retail business.
Isla has a BSC (Hons) in Computer Science, and spent the early years of her career working as an IT Consultant for a number of blue-chip organisations across the UK.
Human Resources
- Patricia BurnsPatricia BurnsHR Operations Managertrish.burns@7hospitality.co.ukPatricia BurnsPatricia BurnsHR Operations Managertrish.burns@7hospitality.co.uk
- Sarah OsborneSarah OsborneHead of Human Resources01738 310525Sarah OsborneSarah OsborneHead of Human Resources01738 310525
- Caley MalcolmCaley MalcolmAssistant HR Managercaley.malcolm@7hospitality.co.ukCaley MalcolmCaley MalcolmAssistant HR Managercaley.malcolm@7hospitality.co.uk
- Danielle TaylorDanielle TaylorHR Operations Managerdanielle.taylor@7hospitality.co.ukDanielle TaylorDanielle TaylorHR Operations Managerdanielle.taylor@7hospitality.co.uk
Sarah is responsible for driving the overall HR function and delivering a successful people strategy across all areas of the business in line with achieving strategic business goals.
CIPD accredited via MOL and graduating with a MA in International Business with Spanish from the University of Dundee. Sarah specialises in TUPE, Change Management, Employment Law and Employment Relations.
Sarah is dedicated to ensuring the company’s HR Strategy is focussed towards the success of 7 Hospitality Management’s mission of delivering a return on investment for our owners through people
Caley is the Assistant Human Resources Manager at 7 Hospitality Management. In her role, Caley is responsible for aiding the delivery of a successful people strategy across all areas of the business, in line with achieving the strategic goals of the business.
Prior to beginning her career in Human Resources, Caley studied Business Management at Edinburgh Napier University. In July 2024, Caley received a 1st class honours degree in this subject field, and graduated top of her class. With a vison to create value for all stakeholders through nurturing people as our most valuable asset, Caley began her HR career in a retail environment, before joining us at 7 Hospitality Management in September 2024.
Along with the rest of the HR team, Caley is dedicated to ensuring the company’s HR Strategy is focussed towards the success of 7 Hospitality Management’s mission of delivering a return on investment for our owners through people.
Operations
- Arun ManoharanArun ManoharanHead of Operationsarun.manoharan@7hospitality.co.ukArun ManoharanArun ManoharanHead of Operationsarun.manoharan@7hospitality.co.uk
- Clinton AdamsClinton AdamsRegional Operations ManagerClinton.adams@7hospitality.co.uk07756789926Clinton AdamsClinton AdamsRegional Operations ManagerClinton.adams@7hospitality.co.uk07756789926
- Lukas VysniauskasLukas VysniauskasRegional Operations Managerlukas.vysniauskas@7hospitality.co.ukLukas VysniauskasLukas VysniauskasRegional Operations Managerlukas.vysniauskas@7hospitality.co.uk
- Ashwath KumarAshwath KumarAssistant Operations Managerashwath.kumar@7hospitality.co.ukAshwath KumarAshwath KumarAssistant Operations Managerashwath.kumar@7hospitality.co.uk
- Manoj KannattummalManoj KannattummalMulti site GM Englandmanoj.kannattummal@7hospitality.co.ukManoj KannattummalManoj KannattummalMulti site GM Englandmanoj.kannattummal@7hospitality.co.uk
- Narayan HariharanNarayan HariharanRegional General Manager - Scotlandnarayan.hariharan@7hospitality.co.ukNarayan HariharanNarayan HariharanRegional General Manager - Scotlandnarayan.hariharan@7hospitality.co.uk
With over 20 years of industry experience, Arun has had the opportunity to work with the leading hospitality chains in the world Hilton Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Accor Hotels. He has managed the operations for Independent hotel groups like Comcrest Hotels, London Hotel group and recently MGM Muthu Hotels where he was responsible for 13 hotels in the UK.
Arun was involved in the opening of Best Western Plus hotels in Croydon and Wembley and was involved in the rebranding process of the Crystal Palace Hotel into Best Western London Crystal Palace hotel and Regency Hotel into the Doubletree by Hilton London Kensington.
Arun was successfully part of acquisitions and mergers within London Hotel Group and MGM Muthu hotels.
He graduated from Bangalore University with a Bachelor’s in Hotel Management and hasa post graduate degree in hotel and business management from IHMES International Hotel school, Isle of Man.
Clinton has held many management positions within various hotels for over a decade. Clinton has worked with leading global hotel brands such as DoubleTree by Hilton and has also been part of management teams for independent hotels. Clinton’s specific areas of expertise are food and beverage, the planning and delivery of bespoke weddings and banqueting for large volume of guests within hotels and stadia.
Clinton is responsible for supporting hotel teams in the planning and delivery of high quality, profitable day to day operations and events through building teams and developing excellent people who strive for consistency and have an enthusiasm for exceeding guest expectations.
Clinton obtained a Bachelor with honours degree in Finance & Business in Dundee, Scotland.
Lukas embarked on his journey in the world of hospitality when he relocated to London in 2011. He wasted no time and dove headfirst into the industry, commencing his career at a prominent sports hotel. It was here that he acquired the fundamental knowledge and skills that laid the foundation for his career.
Over the course of his first ten years in the industry, Lukas career took him on a diverse path assuming a range of roles – from housekeeping to operations. A central focus of his career has been staff training and development, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in achieving excellence.
Understanding the significance of nurturing strong working relationships, he has consistently strived to excel in this aspect of his career. Now, as the Regional Operations Manager, Lukas is thrilled to contribute his wealth of experience and unwavering passion for excellence to his role at 7Hospitality Management.
Ashwath began his journey into the world of operations and management through a diverse array of roles that honed his skills in leadership and efficiency. While pursuing his degree in Biomedical Science, Ashwath founded a student society, balancing his full-time studies with a job and volunteering at the Royal NHS. This experience laid a strong foundation in time management, operational strategy, and customer service.
In his career thus far, Ashwath has assumed a variety of roles that have enhanced his ability to manage teams, streamline processes, and elevate service standards. His commitment to continuous learning and passion for improving operational outcomes has been a consistent focus throughout his journey.
Now, as Assistant Operations Manager at 7H, Ashwath is excited to bring his fresh perspective, leadership skills, and drive for excellence to the hospitality industry. His goal is to help position 7H as a leader in the market by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and guest satisfaction
Manoj brings over 30 years of rich experience in the Hospitality and Retail sectors, having worked with renowned global brands such as Hilton, Sheraton, and SSP UK. His expertise lies in managing multi-unit operations, developing robust training programs, and implementing performance management strategies to enhance service quality.
Currently, Manoj oversees regional operations for 7 Hospitality sites across England and Wales, ensuring consistent operational excellence. His leadership and management skills have been instrumental in driving performance across these properties.
Manoj holds a Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from Chennai, India, and completed advanced training in Food and Management from Strasbourg, France, in 2006.
His key strengths include team leadership, operational efficiency, and resource optimization, making him a vital asset in driving growth and success across the organisation.
With over 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Narayan has worked with leading hotel brands, including Hilton Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotels, Rocco Forte Hotels, and Macdonald Hotels. He has held various leadership roles, most notably as Director of Operations at Hilton Glasgow, where he managed a significant refurbishment project that enhanced guest satisfaction and drove revenue growth.
Narayan’s expertise extends to strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing the guest experience across diverse hotel environments.
He graduated from Queen Margaret University College with a degree in International Hospitality Management and holds a Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management, along with a leadership certification from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland
Procurement
- Brian McNairBrian McNairProcurement & Inventory ManagerBrian McNairBrian McNairProcurement & Inventory Manager
With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, the majority of this spent at The Gleneagles Hotel, Brian started in the wine team ,gaining his Level 3 Certificate in Wines & Spirits, managing the stock areas of the hotel, then lead onto becoming the Purchasing & Stock Control Manager .
Throughout the years, he covered, many high-profile events including the G8 summit and the Ryder Cup , managing the full logistics function .
At 7 Hospitality, he will be responsible for full purchase to pay process, analytics, tendering, sourcing, contracts and procurement strategy across the group, improving financial performance, reducing overall supply chain and operational costs.