winners


OUR VALUES AWARDS: 
IMPACTS AND REFLECTIONS

In our summer edition, we traditionally look back on the Values Awards winners. It’s a chance to celebrate the employees and teams who have made truly inspiring contributions to Dorchester Collection over the past year.

This issue, we also ask our individual and team winners to reflect on the future and tell us how the Values Awards have shaped or changed the way they work.


PASSION

Winner: The Dorchester

General Manager,
Mr Luca Virgilio

“Winning the award was a very pleasant surprise, particularly considering our exceptional competition within the Collection. If anything, it has motivated and inspired all of us to continue to be the best we can be. What we do today won’t necessarily be enough tomorrow, so we need to continue this great journey and challenge ourselves to continue to grow and always look for ways we can improve in everything we do.”

Highly commended: The Beverly Hills Hotel

General Manager, 
Mr John Scanlon

“This acknowledgement reinforces the tremendous value of truly listening to our guests and being proactive in anticipating their needs. But, above all else, it reflects our passionate belief in our ‘We Care’ values that put our people at the heart of this business. As we embrace an exciting year of growth and innovation, we will continue in our unwavering pursuit of excellence. The new venues to be unveiled are just another example of how we are laser focused on enhancing the guest experience and we look forward to all the wonderful changes to come.” 


PERSONALITY: EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Andre Maia

Breakfast Manager, Coworth Park

Highly commended: Carine Lauraty

Supplier Account Manager, Le Meurice 

“I was very surprised to be recognised because as an accountant we are in the shadows and not very exposed. I learned that I am very much appreciated by my colleagues and the leadership and that I am trusted. I’ve not changed anything since winning but I’ve noticed people come to me more!”


RESPECT: LEADER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jerome Jean

Director of Security, Hôtel Plaza Athénée

“I’m very proud to be able to represent a value that’s so important to Dorchester Collection: respect for the individuals who make up the team, respect for the work of each employee, respect for our history and our product, respect for our guests and respect for our owner. Let’s continue to take care of each other and be one team, moving forward with passion and enjoying all the unforgettable experiences we have every day. For my part, you can count on my commitment to making our houses even safer and to demonstrating our hospitality and high standards.”

Highly commended: Emily Morrison

Restaurant Manager, CUT AT 45 Park Lane 

“Being highly commended was incredibly humbling. I see it as a reflection of the hard work and dedication of my entire team – none of what we’ve achieved would be possible without them. For the rest of the year, I want to build on that foundation by continuing to lead by example, with integrity and care at the heart of everything I do.

“One of my key ambitions is to focus even more on team development, creating more opportunities for growth, recognising individual potential and supporting people to thrive in their roles. This recognition has reminded me that leadership is a privilege, and my resolution is to keep raising the bar – not for personal accolades, but to make a real, lasting impact on those I work with and on the guests we serve.”


WORKING TOGETHER: TEAM OF THE YEAR

Winner: The Lana, Hotel Team

Nina Ptok, Director of People and Culture

“In the lead up to the hotel’s soft opening on 1 February 2024, all departments came together. Employees at all levels and from every department became waiters and performers for three days, in addition to their own responsibilities, keeping guest centricity at the core of all their efforts and demonstrating a one-team approach. The Lana Hotel Team exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines Dorchester Collection.”

Highly commended: The Beverly Hills Hotel, Polo Lounge and Culinary Team

Kaitlyn Demasi, Director of Food & Beverage

“Earning the Value Award for Working Together recognises not just the superior quality of our food but the incredible teamwork that goes into creating unforgettable dining experiences. It is a reminder of how essential collaboration is throughout our operations. Every role and team member plays a part in delivering excellence and I’ll continue to prioritise nurturing this spirit of unity to elevate our culinary offerings even further as we debut new dining and entertainment venues next year.”


CREATIVITY

Winner: Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Isabelle Maurin, Area Director of Communication

“Being recognised for this innovation award has, of course, filled the whole team with pride. We must continue to have novel ideas and be even more creative as we have fierce competition in the business. We haven’t changed anything in our way of working since winning but we are constantly on the lookout for new ideas both on brand and in line with the image of the hotel. Each new project is exciting and motivating. And winning an award makes us want to win again! We will continue to look at what new technologies can bring to our work and to the team itself and explore new concepts to attract a younger clientele.”

Highly commended: Hotel Principe di Savoia

Elisabetta Gaia Calabrese, People & Culture Junior Coordinator

“At Hotel Principe di Savoia, inclusion has always been at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, when we began our collaboration with UNHCR, we were deeply committed to creating a workplace that could truly support refugees.

“Receiving the award was a great honour. More than just recognition, it reaffirmed our belief that every person brings unique value and that building an inclusive culture is an ongoing journey. It has shaped the way we approach our work, giving us renewed energy and inspiring us to keep listening, evolving and growing together.”


ULP OF THE YEAR

Winner: Ana de Castro

Assistant Head Concierge, Hotel Eden 

“There are so many talented employees at Dorchester Collection and I was not expecting at all to be recognised at the Values Awards. Winning taught me that each one of us is capable of achieving great results.

“I would like to approach the rest of the year with a strong focus on consolidation and growth. My immediate ambition is to fully embrace my new responsibilities, build even stronger relationships with my team and lead by example every day. I am also committed to nurturing talent around me and fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Winning this award has reinforced my belief in authentic leadership, and my resolution is to keep evolving while supporting others to do the same.”

Highly commended: Grace Lyons

ULP, Hotel Bel-Air

“The recognition was genuinely a surprise and such an honour. It reminded me how important it is to stay consistent and lead with the heart, even when no one is watching. Since winning, I’ve felt even more inspired to support my team and look for ways to go the extra mile in creating memorable guest experiences. Looking ahead, I’m motivated to keep growing, both personally and professionally, and to continue contributing positively to our amazing culture at Bel-Air.”