After a distinguished 37-year career at Harrison and almost 50 years in the industry, Philip Harrison – widely regarded as a leading figure in the hospitality design world – has announced he has stepped down from day-to-day involvement in his eponymous design consultancy, Harrison. A pioneering figure in the sector, Philip has built a reputation for helping shape some the most influential hospitality environments and brands of the past four decades.
Over more than four decades, Philip has witnessed – and helped drive -significant transformation across the hospitality landscape. Reflecting on the sector’s evolution, he notes its remarkable growth in both scale and economic impact.
“The hospitality sector, in all its guises, has grown exponentially during this period to become a major revenue generator in the UK economy,” he says. “According to UK Hospitality data, it now employs over 3.5 million people and generates revenues of around £93 billion.”
Philip founded Harrison and went on to guide the business for 37 years, evolving it from a single-service design agency into a multi-disciplinary consultancy operating internationally. Today, Harrison is driven by collective vision “to make hospitality unforgettable” and now has a presence across the UK, USA and Australia, delivering integrated design, strategy and branding services to some of the world’s leading hospitality operators.
While stepping back from day-to-day responsibilities, Philip will remain close to the business, supporting where he can, the next phase of the company’s growth as it expands into new markets and service areas.
A natural mentor, Philip is known for his warmth, wisdom and ability to see the bigger picture – offering not just expertise, but perspective that can only come from decades of lived experience. His leadership has helped shape some of the world’s most recognised hospitality brands, always with a focus on long-term value, operational intelligence and human connection.
Keith Anderson, CEO of Harrison, commented: “Philip’s visionary leadership has defined not only our business but has also left an indelible mark on the wider hospitality industry. His ability to anticipate change, inspire teams and consistently deliver meaningful, commercially successful design has set the standard for our sector. We are immensely grateful for the legacy he has built.”
As Harrison continues to grow its international footprint and broaden its service offering, the business remains firmly rooted in the principles Philip established – combining creativity with commercial insight to deliver enduring value for clients worldwide.”
