The Walpole Power List 2020 | The Legends: Robert Whitfield, Regional Director, UK & General Manager, The Dorchester
In today’s Power List profile, we meet Robert Whitfield who, in 2017, swapped Hawaii for Park Lane when he joined five-star hotel The Dorchester as Regional Director and GM. Read on to discover why Robert has been named a Legend on the 2020 Power List, as we continue our focus on the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury, in association with Investec.
Robert Whitfield arrived at The Dorchester in May 2017 to take up the role of Regional Director UK and General Manager. Formerly Regional Vice President and General Manager for Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii, Robert swapped his Hawaiian shirts and a beach view for sharp suits and a different pace of life on Park Lane to oversee operations and strategy at the renowned London hotel. His remit also includes Dorchester Collection’s other two UK properties, 45 Park Lane, London and Coworth Park, Ascot.
Robert is highly regarded for an approachable management style and he believes that exceptional service derives from humility and caring for others.
What does it mean to you to be named a Walpole 2020 Power List winner?
It’s a great honour to be named a Walpole 2020 Power List winner. It feels particularly special to be included this year, a year where we have all collectively faced the hardest of times both personally and professionally. Despite the huge challenges, it’s been humbling to witness such an enormous sense of community and support for each other throughout, something that Walpole champions in all the fantastic work that they do for the UK luxury industry.
Why do you think you were named on the List this year?
I’m just delighted to be named and appreciate the recognition, which I also attribute to all the extraordinary people I’ve worked with throughout the years and who have shaped my career and taught me so much.
The second-annual Walpole Power List, naming 2020’s 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury - and held in association with Investec - has been revealed. Released to mark the day the 19th British Luxury Awards would have taken place, The Power List celebrates the inspirational individuals – the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury – within Walpole member brands who, despite enormous challenges throughout 2020, have continued to steer the sector to success.
Introducing the 2020 Walpole Legends, in association with Investec: High-profile figures who have led their business in a particularly supportive and inspiring way through the pandemic.
As the outgoing CEO of the world-famous Fortnum & Mason, Ewan Venters has been instrumental in the brand's success over the past eight years: under his leadership the store has achieved record sales and profits, as well as expanded into new territories. In today's Power List profile, we asked Ewan what it means to be named one of the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury, as we turn our attention this week to the 'Legends' on the List.
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