The 2020 Index from Women to Watch and Advocates for Change in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure (WiHTL) includes more than 80 women lauded for their achievements in their careers as well as their social impact.
Tea Colaianni, WiHTL founder and chair said: “It’s fantastic to see the profiles of women who, despite the challenges the sector has thrown at them this year, are achieving leadership, entrepreneurial and commercial success along with those advocates for change who have made a wider contribution to the sector in furthering diversity, inclusion and belonging.”
Among the Women to Watch are:
Nina Bell, Avis Budget Group managing director, northern Europe
Ella Bennett, group people director, easyJet
Sarah Dickens, chief people officer, Bourne Leisure
Estelle Giraudeau, Club Med UK & Northern Europe managing director
Patrice Gordon, Virgin Atlantic head of joint venture and commercial planning
Erin Johnson, Travelopia marketing director, tailormade
Salome Legesse, commercial finance director, Holiday Extras
Lisa Wood, Great Rail Journeys sales and marketing director.
The list, now in its second year, was produced in conjunction with executive search firm MBS Group. Among the selection criteria was proof of a wider contribution to the sector and to society as well as business skills.
Sam Seigler, MBS director – hospitality, travel and leisure said: “2020 has been one of the most turbulent years the hospitality, travel and leisure sector has ever seen.
“With this in mind, it is now more important than ever to highlight – and celebrate – the diverse range of women demonstrating excellence in their field in hospitality, travel and leisure.”
Colaianni added: “I feel proud to share their stories, which will undoubtedly inspire other women and underrepresented groups to pursue a career within the sector – despite its current challenges – and progress to reach the most senior levels within their organisations.”
