Meet the team
We believe that great hospitality starts with great people. Behind every guest experience, strategic decision, and brand partnership is a team of dedicated professionals who bring passion, expertise, and a shared vision to everything we do.
Get to know the people driving our success.
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Andrew Francis
MANAGING DIRECTOR - AMANTE CAPITAL
A seasoned hotelier, Andrew provides leadership strategic direction and oversight of the Kingfisher Hospitality management platform on behalf of Amante Capital.
Andrew personally brings over 30 years of commercial and operational leadership experience to the platform, gained from working with some of the most recognised hotel and hospitality brands, publicly listed companies, and private equity ventures.
Drawing upon his deep industry knowledge, expansive network, and strategic insight, Andrew has built a truly high-performing team of functional specialists to support our hotel leadership teams, to drive high performance and foster long-term value for our investors.
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Connor Witherington
GROUP DIRECTOR OF REVENUE
Connor brings over a decade of executive leadership experience in hospitality, specialising in revenue management. Most recently, he led the total revenue strategy for The Peninsula London, overseeing both the pre- and post-opening topline commercial strategy for this newly built £1bn property. Here at Kingfisher Hospitality Group, Connor oversees portfolio-wide topline revenue optimisation. Outside work, he enjoys family life and adventures with his two golden retrievers.
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Scott Brown
GROUP DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Scott leads the sales and marketing strategy at Kingfisher Hospitality Group, bringing over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector. Known for his results-driven approach and collaborative leadership, Scott has held senior roles across major hotel brands (Marriott, Leading Hotels of The World, Melia Hotels International) driving revenue growth, brand development, new openings and commercial performance. His career reflects a strong focus on innovation, team development, and delivering exceptional guest and client experiences.
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Sharon Baldeo
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Sharon is a culture builder, smile generator, and proud HR lifer - Sharon’s career journey began in computer sciences but led her to hospitality, where she found her passion. For 26 years, Sharon has championed a people-first cultures across global brands, creating workplaces that feel like home. She believes HR is about heart, not just handbooks. My motto? Be bold, make mistakes, laugh, learn, and love the ride. Hospitality isn’t always easy - but it’s rewarding, human, and full of unforgettable moments.
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Simon Hocking
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Simon started his hospitality career with a passion for cooking as a chef and then moved front of house service before eventually finding my passion for finance. Working in the UK in hotels from 20 to 1100 bedrooms, 3 to 5 star and in groups such as Rocco Forte, Trust House Forte, QHotels, Kew Green, Paramount Hotels and individual hotels such as Luton Hoo, The Grove and Brown’s Hotel Simon brings exceptional knowledge both at Hotel and Group level.
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Mina Gendy
PROPERTY AND PROJECTS DIRECTOR - AMANTE CAPITAL
Mina began his career as a structural engineer, delivering complex projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
Since moving to the UK, Mina has focused on the hospitality sector, managing refurbishment and fit-out projects for leading hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, Rocco Forte, and Accor. His combined technical expertise and commercial insight enable him to lead projects that enhance both guest experience and long-term asset value. As Property and Projects Director for Amante Capital, Mina oversees development strategy, project delivery, and capital investment across the company’s growing hotel portfolio, including functional leadership for the Kingfisher platform. He is known for his pragmatic approach, attention to detail, and for his calm, solutions oriented approach and ability to navigate complex challenges.
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Stefanie Hardy
REGIONAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - SOUTH
Stefanie began her hospitality career in Edinburgh, progressing from Graduate Trainee to Deputy General Manager with Swallow Hotels. She then joined Marriott in regional sales, later leading the rebranding of the London Marriott Maida Vale. Her Hilton tenure spanned London, Cairo, and Kuala Lumpur, culminating in her role as Commercial Director at the London Hilton on Park Lane during the 2012 Olympics. She later held General Manager roles at Hilton and Park Plaza properties. Stefanie now proudly joins Kingfisher Hospitality Group, returning to Marriott.
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Mark Gallagher
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - NORTH
Mark is an energetic and passionate leader with extensive senior leadership experience in the Hospitality Industry. Recently he led a group of UK hotels for the Hong Kong based Dorsett Hospitality after many years with the UK&I managed estate and several franchise properties within IHG Hotels. With the majority of his career spent Thistle Hotels in Scotland & London, he also has a senior fellowship of the Scottish Hotel Industry and is an alumni of Cornell University.