our people
Meet the Legends
Get to know the individual winners of our 2023 Values Awards
Our Values Awards celebrate the people who make Dorchester Collection both a special place to work and an unforgettable experience for our guests. Legends sat down with some of the individual winners from 2023 to get to know them better.
RESPECT – LEADER OF THE YEAR: winner
simon rowe
Simon Rowe, head of bars, The Dorchester
When did you start at Dorchester Collection? 1982.
What was your favourite moment of 2023? The Coronation of King Charles III.
The most enjoyable work-related task? Designing bars.
What do you enjoy doing outside work? I have a small vegetable garden.
The Dorchester Collection hotel you’d most like to visit, outside of your own? I would love to go to Hotel Bel-Air.
A behind-the-scenes moment that made you proud? Once we had to prepare and serve 200 espresso martinis in a 15-minute window for a ballroom function!
Which qualities do you think make someone perfect for a career in hospitality? Being caring, kind and outgoing, liking people, a sixth sense, good communications and the ability to handle pressure and to work with people easily.
RESPECT – LEADER OF THE YEAR: highly commended
Teresa brooks
Teresa Brooks, residences manager, 45 Park Lane
When did you start at Dorchester Collection? 2021.
What was your favourite moment of 2023? Being recognised as a ‘leader of the year’ was a significant milestone in my career.
What is your most enjoyable work-related task? I enjoy stepping in to assess a situation, devising a plan and then guide the team through to a successful resolution.
What do you enjoy doing outside work? I love exploring new cuisines and trying out different restaurants. I’m also an avid traveller and love discovering new places.
The Dorchester Collection hotel you’d most like to visit (outside of your own)? I’d love to visit Le Meurice. It’s the only one in Europe I haven’t been to.
The behind-the-scenes moment that made you proud? When I first stepped up as deputy manager. We only had three people on our team and were facing numerous challenges. I hired a new team of 11, trained them and within months we transformed the department.
Which qualities do you think make someone perfect for a career in hospitality? A passion for service and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential. Being adaptable and resilient and having a keen eye for detail can make a significant difference in delivering an exceptional experience.
RESPECT – LEADER OF THE YEAR: highly commended
Catherine johnson
Catherine Johnson, director of catering, The Beverly Hills Hotel
When did you start at Dorchester Collection? 2014.
What was your favourite moment of 2023? Going to Paris for the first time.
What is your favourite work-related task? Working with catering, banquets and culinary to turn clients’ dreams into reality.
What do you enjoy doing outside work? Spending time with my family, dining out and hot yoga.
The Dorchester Collection hotel you’d most like to visit (outside of your own)? I’d love to stay at Le Meurice in Paris again.
The behind-the-scenes moment that made you proud? Catering, banquets and culinary working together to execute a record-breaking year.
Which qualities do you think make someone perfect for a career in hospitality? There are so many! Someone who has a great personality and loves to engage with guests. Someone who is a team player. Someone who has a tremendous amount of attention to detail. Someone who is good with multi-tasking and follow through.
PERSONALITY – EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: winner
Javier dominquez
Javier Dominquez, pastry cook I, Hotel Bel-Air
When did you start at Dorchester Collection? 2012.
What was your favourite moment of 2023? The first day that the croissants I made were served to the guests. It made me so happy!
What is your favourite work-related task? Making wonderful pastries with our dough and being creative with it. Our croissants and ficelles look so delicious!
What do you enjoy doing outside work? Walking and playing with my dog, Teddy.
The Dorchester Collection hotel you’d most like to visit (outside of your own)? I have never been to London, so I would most like to see The Dorchester.
The behind-the-scenes moment that made you most proud? Working with my fellow pastry chefs Francisco and Vicki, and teaching others what I have learned.
Which qualities do you think make someone perfect for a career in hospitality? People need to be passionate about creating great experiences for our guests.
PERSONALITY – EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: highly commended
Alanna cross
Alanna Cross, F&B service manager, Coworth Park
When did you start at Dorchester Collection? 2019.
What was your favourite moment of 2023? Being a part of Woven by Adam Smith, our Michelin-starred restaurant, and winning Hotel Restaurant Team of The Year at the Cateys awards, which celebrate the finest operators and businesses in hospitality
What is your most enjoyable work-related task? Interacting with guests. It is so rewarding giving guests an experience that they will cherish and want to come back for!
What do you enjoy doing outside work? I enjoy working with children and young people through my church. I enjoy swimming, to think and relax, and I love to learn new cultures, languages and taste different foods while travelling.
The Dorchester Collection hotel you’d most like to visit (outside of your own)? The Beverly Hills Hotel or Hotel Bel-Air.
The behind-the-scenes moment that made you proud of? Watching the younger waiters progress and become confident during service in Woven by Adam Smith after coaching them.
Which qualities do you think make someone perfect for a career in hospitality? A love and passion for serving others and being able to go the extra mile to ensure you are putting a smile on people’s faces.