HOSPA, the association for hospitality’s finance, revenue management, marketing and IT professionals, has appointed David Bridge as chair of its newly introduced asset management community.
The association, a not for profit educational organisation, helps its members to develop their careers, network with colleagues and keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments. Now, with its expansion to include an asset management community, HOSPA has broadened the scope of its services to support an ever-growing cross-section of hospitality professionals.
With HOSPA’s existing communities technical in nature, the incorporation of an asset management arm adds a strategic element to the association. Asset managers are regarded as the owners’ representative, tasked with interpreting the wishes of a hotel’s ownership to the operators conducting the day-to-day running, ensuring that both owner and operator share a common vision.
Through the appointment of David Bridge, an asset manager with more than 20 years’ experience, the association is looking to utilise his expertise to ensure the community is fully focused on the needs of those working in asset management within the hospitality industry.
Jane Pendlebury, Chief Executive of HOSPA, said: “We’re delighted to expand HOSPA’s remit to incorporate asset management, and David’s appointment as chair is an important step as his lengthy experience will prove invaluable in ensuring we provide the right support for asset managers, while also helping us keep well abreast of developments specific to the role.”
As part of its new offering, the community will undertake regular meetings throughout the year, sharing industry knowledge and best practice, acting as a body to help bring together an often fragmented industry caused by the diverse interests and objectives of the various stakeholders
David Bridge formed his own asset management consultancy in 2004. His career has focused predominantly on full service hotels throughout Europe, including such prestigious establishments as the Hilton Prague, Hotel Arts Barcelona, the Radisson Biarritz, the Strand Palace in London, Berns in Stockholm, the Fairmont Monte Carlo, as well as Chewton Glen and more.
David said of his appointment: “I’m delighted to be appointed chair of HOSPA’s asset management community. Asset management is often regarded as something of a mystery within the hospitality industry. We’re looking to demystify the role, fostering greater understanding and encouraging talented individuals to consider careers as asset managers. I am particularly pleased by the breadth of experience and qualities of the committee and their desire to share that knowledge and experience.”
David was elected to his position of chair by key members of the HOSPA Board, having been heavily involved with the establishment of the asset management community.
With the community’s structure now in place, HOSPA is looking to establish an asset management training/education programme. David Bridge commented: “A HOSPA education course is a great opportunity for people to gain an understanding of asset management and the skills required. A lot of people have gained experience in other operational areas and then are unsure of where to go next. We want people to consider asset management as an option and see it as a good opportunity. Currently, a lot of asset management training is on the job, taking people from varying backgrounds and it would be good to create a new route into asset management supported by a professional education programme.”
David concluded: “It’s a privilege to be chosen as chair and I’m looking forward to getting involved in improving the working practices and guidance of the asset management community within the wider hospitality industry.”
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