Building Tomorrow’s General Managers

Client

A fast growing boutique hotel group approached us with a strategic challenge as they expanded across multiple destinations, their internal talent poolcouldn’t keep pace. They needed strong, forward-thinking leaders, not just fortoday, but for tomorrow. Specifically, they sought “number two” candidates: assistant-level hotel executives with the ambition, drive, and potential toopen and run their own hotel within 12 to 24 months.

Approach

Together with the client, we built a future focused hiring strategy. The goalwasn’t to simply fill vacant roles, but to identify professionals with a proventrack record, untapped leadership potential, and the right cultural alignment. We targeted talents with ambition, a sense of ownership, and a hunger to grow but also the patience to follow a well mapped leadership path.

For candidates, we weretransparent: this wasn’t just about the next job. It was about a longerjourney, designed for personal growth, learning, and eventually fulloperational responsibility. We worked closely with each finalist to exploremindset, goals, and motivation whilst ensuring the match would serve both sides overtime.

Result

Several high potential professionals were placed across the client’s hotel portfolio. Each was hired not only for what they could contribute today, but for who they could become tomorrow. With clear development paths in place, the client now has an internal talent pipeline that reduces external recruitment needs and accelerating future openings with leaders who already live the brand.

Impact

- Multiple “number two” placements with GM potential

- Strategic talent pipeline aligned with growth plan

- Clear development paths improved candidate retention

- Future GMs shaped from within, strengthening brand continuity