First global GM-dedicated order launches in Dubai

The Honourable Order of International Hotel General Managers (HOIHGm) has officially launched from its first regional headquarters in Dubai. 

The international organisation – dedicated exclusively to the hotel general management community – is designed to raise the profile of hotel GMs, while providing a range of professional and personal membership benefits, such as portable healthcare and insurance options.

Membership is open to all hotel GMs, those who have previously served in the position, owner/operators, as well as retirees and young professionals on the career path to becoming a GM, according to the order.

HOIHGm was founded by Leon Larkin, who said during his career “I came to realise that there was something significant missing for GMs on a collective scale, in some ways similar to what the concierges have with Les Clefs d’Or”.

“Before now, GMs have had nowhere to go for independent assistance or support, both in general and particularly in times of need,” he continued.

“HOIHGm will provide a thread of continuity and range of benefits which reflect the challenges our colleagues face throughout their careers and beyond – the number one incentive being an elective portable healthcare insurance plan for themselves and their families.”

Larkin is supported in his role as president by an international board of governors comprising 11 alumni from the global hospitality industry.

Later this year, HOIHGm will host its debut World Congress in Dubai on the topic of ‘Hotel Security in Today’s World’ and feature awards such as ‘International Hotel General Manager of the Year’ and a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS:

• Richard Hartman – Non-Executive Director for Jumeirah Group, former CEO of Millennium

& Copthorne Hotels, former Board Director and MD of InterContinental Hotels Group,

Europe, Middle East and Africa.

• Giovanni Angelini – Former CEO of Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and knighted by the Italian

government.

• Heikki Julin – Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Olympia Air Travel, Captain in

the Finnish Defence Force.

• Joseph A. McInerney – Emeritus President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association.
• Kees Hartzuiker – CEO, Roya International Dubai, former VP Asia, Hilton International.
• Peter Thompson – Former Starwood Vice-President for Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand &

former GM of the Royal Hawaiian Waikiki Beach, Sheraton On The Park and Four Points by

Sheraton, Sydney.

• Philip Carruthers – Former regional MD for Orient-Express Hotels and former MD of

Copacabana Palace, Brazil.

• Hans Olbertz – Board Member of Steigenberger Hotels, hospitality consultant, former GM

of Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi and a longstanding career with IHG.

• Prue Leith CBE – Restaurateur, author, businesswoman, philanthropist, former board

member of Belmond (formerly Orient-Express Hotels).

• Ruth Hunt – Hotelier, entrepreneur, former proprietor of Combe House Devon, UK, soon

to be The Pig at Combe.

• Erhard Hotter – Industry veteran for over 40 years in Australia and Asia, Former Starwood

VP and MD for South Asia.