The year has got off to a great start. All the hotels are performing well and the company is ahead of budget. This is reassuring, given today’s trading uncertainties.

You will all now be aware that Mr Philippe Leboeuf joined Dorchester Collection on 2 June as CEO. Over the next few months we will be visiting each of the hotels, so many of you will have a chance to meet him.

In pursuit of our vision, Cherished by employees, I was delighted to learn that the UK hotels and Corporate Office have once again been listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work. My thanks and congratulations to the People & Culture teams who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our We Care culture is alive and that you are proud to be a part of Dorchester Collection.

With three years to go until the opening of our new hotel in Tokyo, we are going full steam ahead on preparations and planning. This expansion will mark the beginning of a new era for Dorchester Collection and it’s wonderful to see our strategic vision for this iconic hotel coming to fruition.

Lastly, I’d like to congratulate the team at Coworth Park on the completion of the spa refurbishment. The spa is an integral part of our offering to guests, and the team has worked tirelessly to maintain a superior service for guests throughout the process. The constant investment in our hotels, with many other projects on the way, ensures that all properties are maintained to the highest standards.

I wish you all an enjoyable summer.

Christopher Cowdray 
President, Dorchester Collection