Peter J Lederer CBE

Chairman & Non Exec Director

• What was your favourite subject at school?

School was not a happy time for me. There was no favourite subject, just a struggle to understand and deal with the dreaded exams. School possibly summed up by teaching myself italic script and being neat….at least I got marks for neatness.

• What was your first job?

Behind the bar of the local pub. Happy polishing glasses, keeping everything tidy and clean. First enjoyment of looking after customers.

• Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?

I have been fortunate to experience many great restaurants and hotels. My tastes are simple, I always look for authenticity of product and genuine personal service

• How do you inspire your team

By example, by always being available, by open, honest communication, by recognising good behaviours and performance, by creating an environment where people feel confident and have space to succeed.

• Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?

Isadore (Izzy) Sharp, Founder, former Chairman and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels. A great leader. His golden rule – “if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same”. He taught me that good people, well trained and motivated will ensure happy customers, spending more which in turn will delight the shareholders.

• How do you manage your stress levels?

I am fortunate that I handle difficult times and stress well. As always, other people are key – colleagues to talk to, friends providing reminders of the bigger picture and family to provide grounding.

• Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?

I am on Facebook but more for personal contacts. LinkedIn good to keep in touch with what is going on professionally but overall very cautious around social media.

• If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you think you would be now?

With my school results I could not go to university and was fortunate to get into hotel school. If I had not done this I think I would have found a job in a good company, started at the bottom, worked hard and hope the opportunities came.

• What did you do on your last days off?

I am fortunate that since stepping down at Gleneagles and Diageo at the end of 2014 I have been working in a number of fascinating businesses (food production, retail and packaging) and a great charity, Dyslexia Scotland. The best part is that now the only person who puts anything in my diary, is me. This means I can balance work days and personal days.

• What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?

I think I am naturally a relaxed person but the way my mind works, I am always thinking so creating calm space for reflection with friends and family is very important.