Julian R. Haddon

It’s Monday again. In today’s episode, I am thankful that Mr. Julian R. Haddon took the time to answer my questions. Julian is the Regional Director of Sales and Marketing (DOSM) Europe for the Rosewood Hotel Group. He is responsible for managing the sales deployment of the Global Sales Office, selling the brand globally from Europe to 28 hotels in 15 different countries worldwide. Soon, he will have even more hotels to sell, with 7 more planned openings in Europe - London (30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair), Amsterdam, Venice, Sardinia, Munich, Vienna, and Madrid. Before joining Rosewood in 2013 for the opening of their first hotel in Europe as DOSM, Julian was part of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. First as a DOSM for The Savoy, where he prepared the hotel to close its doors for a £240m renovations over a period of three years. Afterward, he became their Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, with a responsibility of 7 properties. I had the pleasure of meeting Julian during my time in London and was impressed by Julian’s accuracy and attentiveness during our conversation. He is a people person, with an extreme gift of asking the right questions at the right time! I hope you enjoy the brief yet inspiring read, and with only 10 days to Christmas, the advice Julian passed on from one of his mentors is definitely a take-away from this interview.

Question 1: Where did you start your career?

Julian R. Haddon (JRH): “On the reception desk of Sheraton Park Tower, Knightsbridge London.”

Question 2: What does hospitality mean to you?

JRH: “Delivering authentic memorable & deeply personal service, exceeding guest expectations where the guest feels like a King/Queen.”

Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?

JRH: “Never give up... I was turned down for the Sheraton Management Graduate Programme but spent 11 happy years with Sheraton culminating in being Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in Mexico.”

Question 4: Have you had a mentor in your career? Who was it and did she/he give you advice you still follow?

JRH: “Several - Michael Prager (Sheraton), Peter French (Forte Exclusive Hotels), John Williams (Fairmont), Matthias Roeke (Rosewood) to name but a few who I have benefited from working with over a 38-year career...

Give your very best with humility & kindness at all times as we are all replaceable.... This is one of my favourite pieces of advice received.” 

Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality student/ a hospitality professional who recently started his/ her career, at this right moment?

JRH: “Your world is your oyster; even though it may not appear so today during this pandemic we are living through....

But good times are around the corner ...stick it out with positivity & remember why you chose this amazing industry 

Be humble & modest at all times...”

Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc. 

JRH: “The Language of Kindness -A Nurse’s Story, Christie Watson”    

Dear Julian, thank you so much for taking your time and sharing your experiences and stories with us.