Richard Lee FIH IS

General Manager at Hilton London Paddington | Hospitality Leader | Commercial & Operational Strategy | Chair of Innholder Scholars

London, England, United Kingdom

About

I’m a commercially focused hotel leader with a strong track record of creating value and improving performance in large, branded hotels. I specialise in leading change in complex environments, including hotel openings, restructures and performance turnarounds. I have a particular interest in asset management and operational real estate investment, with a clear understanding of how value is created across the hotel value chain — from revenue strategy and cost discipline through to capital planning and return on investment. I enjoy working at the intersection of ownership, brand and operations to deliver sustainable results. I’m a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and an Innholders Scholar, having completed the Cornell General Managers Program through the Innholders Scholarship in 2016. Alongside my executive role, I’m a Level 3 qualified Coach and volunteer as a coach and mentor for several industry charities, supporting leadership development within hospitality. Contact: [email protected] | 07930 195190

Experience

  • General Manager, Hilton London Paddington at Hilton
    May 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    4 Star Hotel | 432 Bedrooms | 18 Conference & Event spaces

  • Chairperson, Innholder Scholars at Master Innholders
    Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

  • General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross at Klarent Hospitality
    May 2024 - May 2026 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    4 Star Hotel | 381 Bedrooms | 7 Meeting & Event Spaces | MPW Steakhouse

  • General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow at Pandox AB (publ)
    Jun 2016 - Apr 2024 · 7 yrs 11 mos

    4 Star Hotel | 364 Bedrooms | 11 Meeting & Event Spaces | Jack's Bar & Restaurant • Lead the reorganisation of the business from group management to stand-alone property under Pandox ownership • Achieved 4 Star Rating (Quality In Tourism) • Stayed open and profitable throughout the pandemic • Lead £4m refurbishment program • Achieved Highest & Best Use Value for owners by adding 4 new meeting rooms, a self-service shop, and new F&B concept & brand • Responsible for all Business Strategy, Commerical and Financial Performance • Managed owner, brand, and all stakeholder relationships • Lead cultural change based on Modern Leadership style and Guest Experience Blueprint • Implemented Sustainability and DEI strategies & transformation

  • Chairperson at Heathrow Hoteliers Association
    Jan 2018 - Jan 2022 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    47 Hotels | 16,000 Bedrooms Heathrow Hoteliers Association is a dynamic organisation created to benefit the hospitality community within the Heathrow Airport area. We endeavour to connect with Heathrow Airport and connect with each other for shared successes, commercial opportunities and in matters of safety and security