Portobello Brewery

Jamie launched Polari, a beer brand that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and donates proceeds to Stonewall . Jamie has proved that a beer with a great meaning behind it can also be a commercial success which has lead to the recent launch of Rainbow Pilsner which will also donate proceeds to Stonewall.

Member Events & Content Coordinator | Soho House & Co

Khaleel is a passionate hospitality creative who uses their role at Soho House to provide a platform for LGBT+ people and other marginalized voices. They are also a visible role model on social media for LGBTQ+ equality and is responsible for curating and programming several LGBTQ+ themed creative events and projects.

Managing Director & Owner | NoteWorthy

“What an honour to be able to tell my story. I’m delighted to be amongst such incredible professionals working in the hospitality industry. I take enormous pleasure in supporting female/LGBT+ led businesses, creating role models and inspiring the next generation of future leaders.”

Thunder & CEO | Lightning Travel Recruitment Ltd

Chris is a great advocate and activist for the trans and non-binary community both in their work and their social media presence. They are open and honest about their identity, and they make it easy for others to be allies as well. Chris is a role model and does not hesitate to call things out when needed but also to welcome others in.

F&B Supervisor | Holiday Inn Express, Barrow in Furness

“Over the past few years my interest in LGBTQ+ has grown, and my job in hospitality gives me the opportunity to support, as I have now the platform at work to support local Pride events such as Barrow Pride.”

Operations Manager | Clayton Hotel Glasgow City

David is a passionate and dedicated manager who cares about diversity and inclusion. He is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Glasgow and ensures that the hotel is a welcoming place for everyone. David ensures that the hotel gets involved locally with a multitude of pride events, socials and actions to promote the hotel as a great place to work where you can be yourself.

Head of Sales and Marketing | Ibérica Restaurants

Jamie is an advocate for equality and inclusivity in the hospitality industry. They create safer spaces for LGBTQ individuals in the workplace and show support in personal interactions. Watching LGBTQ+ members within his team grow and see their passion shine through in everything they do within the sector is such an inspiration, one he wishes to continue championing throughout his career.

Marketing Communications Manager
Andaz London Liverpool Street

Jad is a LGBTQ+ advocate and ally who has spearheaded several initiatives at Andaz London. He has a long career in hospitality spanning globally. He is a visible role model on social media and is committed to advancing LGBTQ+ equality and Inclusion within his network.

Award-winning food writer and live fire cook

Melissa has penned powerful articles on the British food industry that became focal points for important discussions around identity, diversity and inclusivity. Melissa champions the LGBTQI+ community through food writing and also openly sharing personal experiences; welcoming conversations in particular with children from LGBTQ+ families.

Bartender | Seven Dials Market

Taylor is a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ people at Seven Dials Market. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting gender awareness and creating an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ team members. As a member of the DEI committee, Taylor has made a positive contribution to effect change and ensure a safe, welcoming, diverse, and inclusive sector for all employees and customers. Her passion and commitment to creating a positive change for LGBTQ+ individuals are truly inspiring and make her a deserving candidate for this recognition.

HR & Inclusion Co-ordinator | The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

Tom, who recently joined HR and Hospitality, has been instrumental in driving forward the DE&I culture of their hotel. They have supported teams in understanding pronouns and embracing individuality and provide guidance to managers on how to further develop their communication in this area.

General Manager | Shangri-La The Shard, London

Under Kurt’s leadership, the London hotel has pushed forward as a flagship of inclusivity in a traditionally more corporate brand by becoming more outspoken about its allyship with diverse groups, such as flying the Pride flag permanently outside the hotel, taking part in Pride in London and openly supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion on social media and in communications.

Regional Director of People and Culture | Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

“Earning a spot on the top 50 list is an immense honor. This occasion calls for celebration and heartfelt recognition of the inspiring mentors we’re privileged to have within the hospitality sector.”

Director | Harlees Fish & Chips.

Kaylee is a Director at Harlees, a family run fish & chip chain. She champions LGBTQ+ issues at Harlees from reviewing company policies & phrases used within documentation to being a role model to employees from the LGBTQ+ community. She also promotes inclusivity at community & industry level, presenting at 2022 Fish & Chips conference and being named one of 2022's most inspiring female entrepreneurs.

Global Head of Business Development | Swingers The Crazy Golf Club

Jason is a fierce business development specialist who is devoted to his company, staff, and industry. He is also the Head of New Business at Pride in London, where he tirelessly seeks sponsorship and fundraising opportunities to create a bigger, better and more inclusive Pride in London than the previous year.

Founder | Queers in Food & Beverage

Rachel Rumbol, is the passionate and talented individual behind QFAB (Queers in Food & Beverage) and Chef at Butch Salads, a contemporary London catering company. Rachel launched QFAB as a network and platform celebrating and promoting queer people working across the F&B industry. Rachel has built a community which showcases positive representation of LGBT+ people, creating a place where members can learn about, connect with and support each other.

General Manager | Hotel & Chelsea Club

Mark works in a football club and is passionate about diversity and inclusion. Mark believes that by being proud and sharing their identity, they can help to create a more welcoming environment for everyone and has used a variety of methods to promote diversity and inclusion, including holding a forum, introducing gender neutral toilets, and openly sharing and talking about their identity.

Business Director | Aramark

Tom is the Chair for Aramark Pride, he champions inclusivity and diversity across this global brand. Tom is committed to his role and duties at Aramark and has recently been recognised as a winner of the Aramark 40 Under 40 awards.

Marketing Manager | Miraval Resorts

“I hope that the recognition of all who are included on this list shines a light of hope on any LGBTQIA+ youth who may feel a sense of fear about being their authentic self, and help them to see that there is always a place for them in this world.”

Regional Director of Sales | Working From_ The Hoxton

Lucy deserves full recognition for her unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment for all. Her tireless efforts in championing and promoting equality have positively impacted tenants and guests of Working From_, both from within and out of the LGBT+ community, making her a true advocate of inclusion and diversity.

Chief Executive Officer | Dorchester Collection

Eugenio has been championing diversity, inclusion and belonging at Dorchester Collection for the past 12 years. He pioneered the We Care philosophy which advocates for the right of every employee to feel safe and respected at work. He has also launched inclusive procedures and policies, such as the Commitment to Trans Equality Policy. He is actively involved in promoting LGBTQ+ belonging outside of the organization and has been recognized with several accolades for his work.

Chief Executive | Institute of Hospitality

“I am delighted and humbled to be recognised on the inaugural Checking-IN's 50 LGBTQ+ Champions in Hospitality 2023 list. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community I recognise that allyship is the backbone of EDI, and championing EDI within the hospitality industry is a personal passion for me, and a commitment by the Institute of Hospitality to continue to build a fully inclusive industry. Congratulations to all those recognised within this list. Together we are making a difference.”

Portobello Brewery

From the moment Darren Williams joined Portobello Brewery & Pubs, he wanted the company to give something back to the community in this case, the LBGTQ+ community. With his vision and foresight, he forged an alliance between Portobello Brewing and the Stonewall Housing Charity and together they created a beer that would revolutionize the way business and the charity sector work together – Polari Pale Ale.

Talent Manager – Europe | IHG Hotels & Resorts

Frankie has been an incredibly passionate champion for LGBTQ+ colleagues, owning IHG’s participation in Pride in London, co-leading the work that brought about IHG as a sponsor for the first time in 2022. Frankie spearheaded the preparation and launch of colleague guidance around conscious inclusion and pronouns which has gained much traction, particularly in the UK&I estate. Frankie has also created toolkits for IHG hotels across Europe to bring Pride 2023 to life in a variety of ways.

Founder | Moonlight Experiences

Aisha is a trailblazer in the travel and hospitality industry. As an entrepreneur and LGBT+ activist, Aisha is behind multiple ventures, projects and companies that uplift minority voices and advance LGBT+ equality and inclusion. A passionate role model, Aisha has also been recognised by several LGBT+ organisations for her work through UK Black Pride, Moonlight Experiences and The Queer Nomads, a travel brand which she runs with her wife.

Sales Director | ETM & MAVEN Leisure Group

Simon is a LGBTQ+ champion who has made significant contributions to ETM Group. He has created a more inclusive work environment by ensuring that all employees feel comfortable and heard, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He has also worked with the Board of Directors to improve LGBTQ+ policies and launched an informal network for LGBTQ+ colleagues.

Sales Manager | Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham

Wyatt is an asset to the LGBTQ+ community and leads on the LGBTQ+ element of the company’s DE&I Calendar and Strategy. He creates an inclusive environment to work in whilst sharing opportunities for learning with the wider community. Wyatt is currently in the process of creating a board of members throughout the RBH portfolio and has already recruited other members to be part of this group.

Managing Director | The Langham, London

Bob is a superb role model for the LGBTQ+ community in hospitality. He is active and visible in the sector and through his role at The Langham he has supported several local LGBTQ+ causes and always ensures his team can be their authentic selves at work at The Langham, London.

On Trade Sales Manager | Moët Hennessy UK

In 2019 Maya was at the centre point of the company’s Pride campaign and where for the first time, she shared with the business and her colleagues her journey and who she truly is.

Maya’s coming out story ‘lifted 30 years of suppression’ and has been a D&I advocate and LGBTQ+ ally ever since.

Meetings & Events Manager | Holiday Inn Express Leicester City

Gery is a champion for the LGBTQ+ and recently took part in one of our D&I initiatives for #IamRemarkable and openly spoke out about how he is gay, out and proud and has assisted and supported many others throughout the company. He is a member of the D&I committee and has teamed up with a few other members and created an LGBTQ+ internal group to offer training, terminology education and to raise awareness.

Business Development | Barbican

“I’m so proud all the hard work we’ve done and continue to do for the community, we’ve come a long way and it’s my pleasure to champion my LGBTQIA+ family and truly touched to be recognised and receive this award.”

Head of Bar+Block | Bar+Block Steakhouse

“Working in hospitality is a rewarding sector in many ways, and to be recognised an LGBTQ+ champion within it is a real privilege. Hospitality is a brilliant sector, and the people make it.”

Diversity & Belonging Champion | Dorchester Collection

Jane is a passionate advocate for social and environmental justice. She has worked in a variety of roles to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is actively involved in her community and has raised money for schools and charities.

Head of Inclusion and Diversity | Greene King

Garry has been instrumental in redesigning Green King's DEI policies and is a trailblazer when it comes to ensuring the teams at each of their sites feels welcome, included and has the freedom and confidence to be themselves. He has implemented progressive new ideas as well as policies and events and is a superb role model for DE&I in the hospitality industry.

Hostess | Circa Bar

Jarry is the well-known face of the Circa Bar in Soho and Circa Embankment. She is also a co-founder of Angel Gyms, a safe space for queer and trans people and anyone who would normally feel anxious or intimidated in a gym environment. These gyms offer bespoke one on one training for people in a safe and inclusive environment and are a gamechanger in the market.

General Manager | Locke Hotels, London

“I’ve been working in the industry since I was 17 years old and at the time I remember feeling like the only gay man, so to be selected alongside 50 of the great LGBTQ+ champions is such an achievement. I strive to make the workplace a safe environment where LGBTQ+ people can thrive and I’m pleased to be recognised for that.”

Pub Manager | The Old Nun’s Head

Allie has created a queer safe space for the LGBTQ+ community . She host events that are educational, comical, networking opportunities and ensure the pub promotes LGBTQ+ rights. Allie was at the forefront of recent protest in Dulwich - when the far right community attempted to shut down the drag story reading group for kids.

HR Director | Standard Hotel London

“As vice chair of HR in Hospitality I am very proud of the partnership we have developed with Checking In, to build awareness of Best Practice and champion LGBTQ+ topics among HR Leaders and our members.”

Marketing Director | Mytis

Georgios has been a visible LGBTQIA+ leader in hospitality and has championed diversity and inclusion in all his roles.

True inclusivity is part of his marketing practice, with his previous pride campaigns were hailed ‘a powerful driver of positive change’, and were deciding factors in winning a Majors By the Drum Award as a marketing team leader.

Managing Director | Rosewood London

“I am committed to putting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the foundation of Rosewood London. My aim is to champion diversity wherever I can, and drive positive change in the communities we operate in, so that we can build meaningful relationships that we are proud of. I am delighted to be recognised by Checking-in as a LGBTQ+ Champion in Hospitality for 2023.”

VP Global Reward | IHG Hotels & Resorts

Stephen has been an Exec Sponsor of IHG's LGBTQ+ ERG, Out&Open since its launch in 2018 and has been instrumental in ensuring colleagues feel safe and welcome to bring their full selves to work. He is a great role model and openly speaks about his own experiences as an LGBTQ+ person, a parent, and how it has shaped him and his career.

Global People & Culture Director - Banking & Professional Services | ISS

“Being selected as an LGBTQ+ Champion in Hospitality this year is an incredible honour and inspires me to continue to foster safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. Joining Checking-IN's network supports me to amplify diverse voices and contribute to creating a more welcoming and accepting hospitality environment ensuring everyone feels comfortable and respected.”

Director and Founder | mum

Craig’s personal journey and life experience in recent years have led him to become a natural, proactive and passionate people ambassador championing inclusivity and the intersection with better mental health and wellbeing for all.

He has created and powered several nationwide people initiatives including now pause and more recently, Walk for Wellbeing, an event promoting better mental health, well-being and inclusivity in hospitality.

Co-Founder and Director | The Intrepid Collective

Representation, visibility and community are so important. It’s such an honour to be a part of this list, and plant my flag in the sand as we continue to have conversations, learn from each other, and create a safer, more inclusive space for our colleagues, and guests.

HR Manager | Marriott Canary Wharf

Andrea has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ community within Marriott and active leader within OneMarriott and the Marriott UK South Business Council, the group’s internal Associate Resource Group for diversity, equality and inclusion.

Head of Operations | Otolo

Simon’s passion overflows into his work and his dedication to the LGBTQ+ community is amazing. Most recently, with Otolo, Simon has integrated in the hospitality mentoring programme with the LGBTQ+ community, providing support and resources through the Otolo app.

Co-Founder | iNOMEE

Together with my husband, I embarked on the journey of co-founding iNOMEE, a platform aimed at assisting professionals in the hospitality industry in navigating their careers. Our utmost priority has always been to provide support to LGBTQ+ professionals in hospitality and aid them in their career growth.

Chief Development Officer | Cycas Hospitality

Asli has always championed LGBTQ+ causes in hospitality across multiple countries and continents, including Africa, and has contributed significantly to the diversity and inclusion policies at Cycas Hospitality. Asli sits on the board of the Rimbaud and Verlaine foundation in The Netherlands who are committed to using the arts to champion LGBTQ rights, tolerance and inclusion, a theme that runs through all of their activities and commissions.

Founder | Hugh Richard Wright

Hugh is an active and visible advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in hospitality and through his PR business he regularly champions queer-led restaurants, chefs and food businesses.

Co-Founder & Equality & Inclusion Disrupter | SISU

“As one of the 50 LGBTQ+ Champions in Hospitality 2023, I am proud to stand alongside a remarkable community of individuals who are breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and transforming the landscape of our industry. Together, we are not only creating safe spaces for all, but we are also redefining what it means to be a champion of diversity and providing representation for those yet to come. Let us continue to lead by example, inspire change, disrupt the status quo and celebrate the power of love, acceptance, and unity in every corner of the hospitality world”.

Director of Sales & Marketing | Corinthia Hotel London

Founder | Diversity Alliance

Senior Advisor | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

General Manager | Bankside Hotel

Co-Founder | Checking-IN

Co-Founder | Checking-IN