Women in Luxury is our content series dedicated to celebrating the careers, community and creativity of women executives across the Walpole membership, as well as highlighting the challenges women still face. This week, we speak to Kremi McCabe, Deputy General Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
What does your role entail, and how long have you been doing it?
As Deputy General Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, I’m responsible for
overseeing the hotel’s daily operations in line with driving our commercial strategy. My role is all about ensuring that every department runs seamlessly in order for our guests to enjoy an exceptional stay whilst our colleagues feel supported and empowered to deliver it. I joined Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in February 2022, initially as Director of Operations and then as Hotel Manager when I was promoted a few months later. These roles gave me a deep appreciation for both the brand and the incredible team behind it. They allowed me to develop a real passion for the hotel, and a strong understanding of what makes it so special. That foundation has made stepping into my current role a very natural and exciting progression.
What’s your career background and what makes you passionate about what you do?
My career in luxury hospitality has taken me all over the world, allowing me to experience different cultures and meet many incredible people along the way. Early in my career, I spent 16 years with the Dorchester Collection, moving through roles from reservations and revenue management to sales, whilst transitioning into an area role, overseeing the commercial strategy of the collection’s three UK hotels. Soon after there came a moment in my career when I knew I had to choose a direction. Drawn by my fascination with the intricacies of operations and the chance to shape the guest experience more closely, I found myself at The Lanesborough, taking on the role of Director of Rooms. It was during this time that I set my sights on becoming a General Manager, eventually moving abroad to manage the opening of Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai, which was later recognised as one of the year’s most successful hotel openings by Condé Nast Traveller. Working across so many areas and with such a variety of teams has given me a deep understanding of how every part of a hotel fits together. It has also shown me just how important workplace culture is, inspiring me to foster a hardworking, positive ethos here at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. This experience informs my work every day as Deputy General Manager, as I oversee diverse teams and departments. What truly excites me, though, is connecting with others to creating that magic for our guests and helping my team feel proud of what they do. I enjoy nurturing talent, building a culture where people thrive, and making sure every detail, from warm welcomes to behind-the-scenes safety, comes together to create something exceptional. That’s what keeps me inspired.
Can you tell us about a woman who you look up to regarding your work?
While at the Dorchester Collection, I was fortunate enough to work with Helen Smith who later became the joint CEO and who I deeply admired. She had this wonderful balance of sharp commercial focus and drive, while retaining a calm presence that inspired confidence in everyone around her. What stood out was her kindness – she always took time to stop and connect with you, to take time out of her day to take an interest in people and get to know them on a personal level. Her example of balanced, people-centred leadership is still something I look up to and is something that I seek to emulate as I lead. These are values that are incredibly close to me and are a big part of what I believe in as a leader now.
What’s a significant obstacle for women in your industry or the wider luxury sector that you feel isn’t talked about enough?
Being a mother of three while building my career hasn’t been easy. I’ve taken breaks to focus on caring for my children (breaks that many in similar roles haven’t had to consider) and returning to full-time work with few part-time options made balancing home and career challenging. I couldn’t have done it without the trust and support of those who believe in me, especially my husband, who has stood by me every step of the way. Balancing motherhood and leadership has tested me in ways I never anticipated, yet it has also been one of my greatest teachers – shaping my resilience and perspective, and instilling strengths I carry into my work every day.
What advice would you have to other women following your career path that would have helped you when starting out?
Having a mentor you can truly trust is invaluable, especially at the start of your career. Someone who can guide you and advocate for you is a real privilege - it’s a role I now try to play for many of the women I work with who aspire to leadership in hospitality. That mentor doesn’t have to be a woman, either; I’ve been fortunate to have several male role models who’ve supported and guided me over the years. I’d also encourage any woman beginning her journey in hospitality to know her own values and hold onto them. It’s easy to be pulled in different directions, to be tempted to compromise, but staying true to what matters to you and who you are – this will keep your path clear and your confidence strong.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is about being healthy and genuinely happy – both at work and in life. It’s having the energy and balance to give my best at the hotel while still being present for my family and for myself. Titles and achievements matter, but they only mean something when they’re matched by good health and a life that feels joyful and whole.
