INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
event host
Asha Amster
Global SVP Production & Operations Chair, Sea Life Trust
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS
Keynote speakers Jane O’Riodan
Chair - Non Executive Director - Board Advisor
RESTAURANTS - TURTLE BAY RESTAURANTS - FLIGHT CLUB DARTS an interview by
CARAVAN
Lizzie Ryan-Podbury Partner IMBIBA
Ann
Elliott Chair, Portfolio NED & Board Advisor
Sarah Willingham CEO & Founder
HALL & WOODHOUSE - GUSTO ITALIAN TOSSED - TIPJAR®
Claire Lawson
Group Head of Procurement
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENT
Alyson Hancock
Group People Director
WONDERFIELD GROUP
1st panel
Zoë Watts Managing Director
BENNETT HAY
Molly Davies
Head of Commumications
BII
Milet Lukey
Vice President People & Culture
DORCHESTER COLLECTION
Karen Bates
Global People Director
BREWDOG
2nd panel
Lycia Lobo
Chief Operating Officer
DESIGN MUSEUM
Marion Carpentier
Director Hotel Operations - Europe
CITIZEN M
Group Chief Executive
CONNELLS GROUP
Helen Charlesworth
3rd panel
Patricia Gonzales
CEO
SUSHI SAMBA
Una O'Reilly
Group Chief People, Culture & Sustainability Officer
CAPRICE HOLDINGS
Amber Wood
Managing Director
NEW WORLD TRADING COMPANY
Shereen Ritchie
Geach
Biographies
Jane O’Riordan
Jane is the chair of Caravan Restaurants, the chair of Red Engine (Flightclub Darts and Electric Shuffle), and the Chair of Turtle Bay Hospitality.
Jane is also an NED of Octopus Titan VCT PLC, the UK’s largest venture capital trust and has a number of other investment advisory roles.
She is on the Hospitality Sector Council working together with industry and government, where she currently chairs the Innovation Working Group.
Jane has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and leisure sector, including an executive career with Nando’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Pizza Express, among others.
Sarah Willingham
Sarah is a highly experienced entrepreneur and investor in the hospitality industry, with notable roles at Planet Hollywood and Pizza Express. She has appeared on BBC’s ‘Dragon’s Den’ and ‘The Restaurant’, showcasing her expertise as a judge and investor.
Sarah’s accomplishments include co-owning and selling the Bombay Bicycle Club, developing The Real Greek and Tootsies brands, and holding influential positions such as chairing the Tonkotsu Group and being a shareholder in ‘Craft Gin Club’.
In 2020 Sarah founded Nightcap and has grown the business from 1 to 11 brands in three years, recently awarded ‘Best Leader of the year’ at the 2023 Publican Awards.
Alyson is currently the Group People Director of global food business, the Wonderfield Group, leading the People experience for over 5000 employees across the UK, Europe, US, Canada and soon, Australia.
Alyson Hancock
A seasoned hospitality professional who is passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential, Alyson has worked internationally across the Middle East and Asia with the likes of Jamie Oliver and Emirates. Alyson moved into the world of HR in 2012 with Tesco and joined YO! (part of the Wonderfield Group) in 2017 as a People Business Partner, one of the proudest achievements in her career was winning the Sustainability Restaurant’s Association’s ‘Treat Staff Fairly’ Award driven by YO’s efforts leading attitude change around mental health issues.
Alyson loves travelling with her husband, two young boys and two dogs, all things socialising, cooking, eating sushi and visiting wine regions. Alyson was diagnosed with breast cancer in spring 2022 and since has received an incurable diagnosis after further spread to her brain and is now on long term treatment. Despite these challenges, Alyson continues to enjoy being a member of the Executive Leadership Team and travelling around the Wonderfield businesses globally, citing a recent visit to Japan as a huge highlight. She is now passionate about removing the stigma of working with a long term chronic disease, and how the disabled community should never be overlooked by their employers or potential employers.
Alyson is also currently studying for an ILM Level 7 Diploma for Senior and Executive Coaches.
Claire Lawson
Claire is the Group Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Director at Merlin Entertainments, a global visitor attractions business with a £13B turnover and 27,000 employees. As a DI&A Director and certified ILM Level 7 Executive Coach, she transitioned from commercial leadership to focus on fostering diverse, inclusive, and accessible environments for both workplaces and customer experiences.
Claire has 30 years of experience in the Entertainment and Retail sectors, encompassing both operational and central roles. Her career encompasses working for brands such as Next, LEGO, SeaLife Centres, and Resort Theme Parks on an international basis. Claire is heavily focused on achieving measurable results. Understanding how Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) can unlock financial performance, and a positive organisational culture has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of her professional journey. One of the proudest achievements to date is launching Merlin Entertainments Cancer Care Resources which provides valuable information, lived experience connections, and emotional support for individuals and their loved ones affected by cancer. She is passionate about normalising cancer in the workplace, equipping both leaders and employees with the skills and knowledge on how to lead through poor health.
While work is both a priority and passion, Claire enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves sports, running, and gym sessions to maintain her physical and mental health. Married to the real ‘Fireman Sam’…who she admires along with her beloved dog Billie.
Diagnosed with stage three throat and neck cancer in winter 2021, Claire went through chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries which lead to a period of her life where she was extremely unwell. Now three years into her remission, her outlook on life has changed significantly.
Ceri Gott
After a decade in the Government Economic Service, in 2012 Ceri surprised herself by joining her brother Huw, Hawksmoor co-founder, “to think about the people side” expecting to stay around 6 months!
Over the 13 years that Ceri has been leading people and planning at Hawksmoor, the company has grown from 250 people in 3 restaurants in London, to 1250 people across 13 restaurants, 7 cities and 4 countries, whilst being named a top 100 Best Company to work for and 3 star Sustainable Restaurant in each of the last 13 years, the Best Steak Restaurant in the World, and being the first UK restaurant to become a BCorp. Ceri’s role has evolved from HR Director (and whole HR team!) through Chief People Officer, to Chief Growth and Culture Officer.
Ceri is proud to have grown and lead a successful international restaurant business whilst growing and supporting a family, and is dedicated to supporting others to grow personally and professionally in alignment their values.
Madeleine Geach (ex Head of Culture at Hawksmoor) coaches and develops restaurant founders and their senior teams.
She is proud to have been named one of the most influential women in hospitality twice by CODE.
She is also a bestselling co-author of the leadership guide Leading from the Heart.
Clients include Ottolenghi, Hawksmoor and JKS.
Madeleine Geach
Nicky Wallis
Nicky is the founder and director of TEAL Learning Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in learning and development. With a solid background in the hospitality industry and training across the UK and Europe, Nicky is dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences that promote behavioural change, leading to positive outcomes for both individuals and organisations.
Fuelled by a passion for empowerment, Nicky believes everyone has the right to achieve their full potential. She champions accessible learning and ongoing growth, understanding that people are any organisation's true asset. She has successfully trained thousands of successful managers in various industries throughout her career, helping them unlock their capabilities and lead confidently.
Specialising in leadership training, mentoring, and coaching, Nicky employs innovative strategies to foster growth and resilience in individuals and teams. Her commitment to nurturing talent matches her enthusiasm for the growth in others. Nicky is dedicated to shaping the future of leadership by equipping professionals with the tools they need to thrive.
Zoë Watts
Zoë Watts is Managing Director of Bennett Hay, the London-based workplace catering and guest services provider which has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, and has a portfolio of 37 clients, 280 colleagues and a turnover of £20m.
Her career in hospitality spans 4 decades and she has held senior positions across the heritage sector in events and public catering, and since 2015, in the foodservice sector, specialising in corporate workplace catering.
Zoë has navigated the balancing act of home-life as a single Mum to two boys vs a busy work schedule.
As such she’s an advocate of empowerment and opportunities for all.
Molly Davis
Molly Davis is the Head of Communications for the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping), working alongside BII CEO and Best Bar None Vice Chair, Steve Alton to take member’s voices directly to Government.
She is also on the advisory board for Game Changers, a competitive socialising membership organisation, is a member of the PubAid steering committee and an Ambassador for Ask for Angela.
Molly is passionate about the BII’s mission to keep pubs thriving at the heart of communities across the UK, the safety of women and girls, especially in the licensed trade environment, and champions education for everyone around women’s health issues in the workplace.
Milet Lukey
Milet Lukey was appointed vice president, people and culture for Dorchester Collection in August 2022. She rejoined Dorchester Collection following her most recent position as vice president of talent and culture for the Americas at Rosewood Hotel Group, a role she has held since 2019. Prior to this, Milet worked with Dorchester Collection between 2012 and 2014 as area director of people organisation and development where she was responsible for all people functions at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air.
She later joined Starwood Capital Group’s hotel brand management company SH Group as area director of people operations, based in New York City, before moving to the role as vice president, people operations.
She then joined Auberge Resort as vice president of talent and culture. Milet has over 30 years of experience in both local and international markets and is a CIPD Chartered Fellow. Milet ensures that Dorchester Collection’s values-based culture remains strongly embedded in the organisation, and play a significant role working with the leadership and operational teams, providing strategic support and direction
Karen joined BrewDog in January 2020 as Group People Director, with responsibility for the people agenda across the International BrewDog group.
Karen Bates
Her focus and passion is on driving the company culture and world class people processes designed to deliver an engaging and unique approach to customer experience whilst also being an employer of choice and implementing wellness strategies.
Prior to joining BrewDog, Karen was the People Director at Costa Coffee, with responsibility for the transition of Costa Coffee from Whitbread to Coca-Cola, a major transformation project as part of the £3bn sale.
Karen has also worked with major high street retailers, hospitality and consumer businesses and has a track record of achieving success through people and driving customer experience.
Marion Carpentier-Schonkeren is a dynamic executive leader with a "can do" attitude and over 20 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry. Her expertise spans operations, strategy, commercial and financial disciplines.
Marion Carpentier
Marion has repositioned Harvey Nichols' hospitality experience, directed the global Food & Beverage strategy for London & Regional Hotels, and served as F&B Vice President at Four Corners Hospitality driving operational excellence, elevating teams and delivering returns.
Currently, as Director of Hotel Operations - Europe and Co CHOO at citizenM hotels, Marion leads with strategic thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth. citizenM hotels inspire a new generation of modern travelers with their affordable luxury lifestyle and premium returns to stakeholders.
Marion is known for her positive energy, actions driven and the joy she brings to her work. She lives in London with her husband and their children.
Helen Charlesworth
Helen joined Connells Group as CEO in September 2024, bringing extensive leadership experience from her successful track record of managing large, diverse organisations. Prior to this, she served as Managing Director of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, where she led teams across circa 850 sites and multi formats, driving significant profit growth and overseeing several successful acquisitions.
Helen also has a strong foundation in the estate agency sector, having been Managing Director of Your Move. There, she developed and implemented a strategic three-year plan that transformed the customer experience and exceeded profit expectations.
A passionate advocate for people, Helen places great emphasis on employee satisfaction, fostering career development, leading inclusive teams and driving performance and profit.
Patricia has been an integral part of SUSHISAMBA’s rise to international acclaim since its inception. Alongside the Managing Partners, she has been instrumental in growing the company from a single New York City location to a globally recognized brand with locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East and Asia.
Patricia Gonzales
Patricia graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Psychology from Stony Brook University. Her passion for understanding people transferred seamlessly to her roles in the hospitality industry, as she understood the power of communication and emotional intelligence in effective operations. Throughout her career at SUSHISAMBA Group, Patricia has been an avid leader for the SUSHISAMBA and Duck & Waffle brands –spearheading the strategy and development of the human resources and accounting departments and overseeing the entirety of the senior global management workforce.
Her achievements earned her significant promotions, propelling her to her current position of Co-Chief Executive Officer, where she is responsible for fostering growth and providing strategic, financial and operational decisions for the group, paving the way for SUSHISAMBA’s robust international expansion plans.
Una O’Reilly
Una O’Reilly is an experienced Chief People and Culture Officer with over 25 years Human Resource experience gained from working across Hospitality, Retail and Real Estate.
Most recently Una was the Group Chief People, Culture and Sustainability Officer for Caprice Holdings, a luxury hospitality group which includes Caprice Holdings, The Ivy Collection, Bill’s and The Birley Clubs. She was previously with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, from 2013-2022, as URW Group Director of Engagement and Director of HR UK/Italy. Prior to joining URW, Una held a variety of Human Resource leadership roles with responsibility for UK, Europe and Asia.
Una holds a Bsc Hons Technology Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources and Organisational Development and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development.
Nina Marshall
Nina Marshall is an experienced HR professional with a background in hospitality and retail, currently working with Stonegate Group.
With a passion for creating opportunities for all, she has a focus on fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting professional growth.
As an accredited coach, Nina empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
She also volunteers with the Licensed Trade Charity, reinforcing her commitment to supporting those in the industry.
Lycia Lobo
Lycia Lobo is the Chief Operating Officer at the Design Museum. She is an income generation executive and thought leader with 25 years’ experience across the high street and charity/arts sectors working for organisations like Signet Jewellers, the V&A and English Heritage.
Lycia has led on the transformation of commercial propositions across retail, hospitality and rental businesses. She is a nonexecutive director for several organisations, including Queer Britain - the UK's first LGBTQ+ Museum.
Lycia is a huge advocate of empowering others across the sector to have both the confidence and platform to truly flourish.
Gemma started her career at EY & later KPMG working on Transactions across the Consumer space - from Ice-cream to High Fashion - and is a chartered accountant by training.
Following her passion for food, creativity and people, Gemma joined Wahaca 7 years ago working across Commercial & Strategy before becoming COO in 2020.
Gemma was appointed Managing Director in February 2022 and now has overall responsibility across Wahaca’s 14 restaurants.
Gemma Glasson