At Dalata Hotel Group, our people are the reason behind every warm welcome, every seamless stay, and every step forward.
Our Spotlight Series shares the stories of the individuals shaping our culture, inspiring our teams, and living our values every day.
Meet the people driving Dalata’s future — and discover the heart of hospitality
At Dalata, our people are the reason we continue to grow, evolve and deliver excellence every day.
Through our new Spotlight Series, we’re sharing the stories of the incredible individuals who live our values, lead with passion, and shape the future of hospitality — one moment, one guest, one idea at a time.
Join us as we celebrate the journeys, achievements and ambitions that make Dalata truly special. 💛
Amit Sahoo - Leadership with Heart
From a Small Restaurant in India to Leading in London
At just 12 years old, Amit Sahoo discovered a love for hospitality helping at his cousin’s restaurant. Today, that same spark powers his leadership at Clayton Hotel Chiswick.
Amit believes great teams are built on kindness, consistency, and the little things that show you care — like leaving a favourite drink on a colleague’s desk or starting meetings with small wins.
“Recognition doesn’t have to be loud,” Amit shares. “It just has to be real.”
With Dalata’s support, Amit has created a culture where people feel valued, seen — and excited to give their best.
Leadership, after all, starts with heart.
Chloe Murtagh Flood - A Rising Star
From Reception Desk to National Recognition
When Chloe Murtagh Flood joined Dalata after university, she thought it was a short stop. Instead, it became a launchpad for a brilliant career.
Starting in reception, Chloe’s energy and potential were quickly spotted — leading to a place on Dalata’s Graduate Programme, and a new love: Sales.
“Dalata made me believe in myself,” Chloe shares. “They saw something in me before I even fully did.”
Winning Employee of the Year was a surreal moment — but for Chloe, the real prize is the journey itself: growing, learning, stepping outside her comfort zone.
Now moving to Clayton Hotel Chiswick for her next chapter, Chloe’s story is a testament to what happens when opportunity meets courage.
Goutam Sikdar - Calm in the Kitchen
From Market Stalls to Michelin Mindsets
Growing up in rural India, Goutam Sikdar learned early about resilience, responsibility, and resourcefulness.
Today, he brings that same spirit to Clayton Hotel Chiswick, where he leads one of West London’s busiest kitchens with calm, care, and consistency.
Since joining Dalata in 2018, Goutam has built a kitchen team with extraordinary loyalty — proof that a culture of respect breeds results.
“When you feel at home, you want others to feel at home too,” Goutam says.
In a high-pressure world, Goutam’s leadership shows that hospitality starts behind the scenes — and thrives when people look after each other.
Alice Harrington - Chairperson of EmpowerHer
Empowering Women, Changing Hospitality
When Alice Harrington first saw the survey results showing the barriers women faced at Dalata, she knew action was needed.
As Chairperson of EmpowerHer, Dalata’s first employee resource group, Alice is leading real change — not just talking about it.
From reviewing maternity support to sparking open conversations about career confidence and progression, EmpowerHer is dismantling the obstacles women often face in hospitality leadership.
“We’re not about buzzwords,” Alice says. “We live these challenges ourselves — and we’re determined to open more doors.”
With the group now also looking at support around menopause and flexible working ideas, the vision is bigger than ever: create a culture where every woman at Dalata can see a clear path to leadership.
Because when women rise, everyone rises.
Lorraine Gavigan - A Leap Across Borders
From Cork to Germany: Growth, Grit, and Future Goals
For Lorraine Gavigan, hospitality is a lifelong calling — and stepping into the unknown is part of the adventure.
Today, Lorraine is managing a busy Dalata hotel in Germany, navigating language barriers and cultural shifts with determination and heart.
“I don’t see myself as hugely ambitious,” Lorraine smiles. “But every step has been about pushing myself a little further.”
With Dalata’s support — and the opportunity to take part in the Altitude Programme — Lorraine is preparing for her next big goal: becoming a General Manager.
Her advice? “Say yes to the things that scare you. Growth happens in the stretch.”
Lorraine’s story proves that with the right support and mindset, there’s no limit to where your hospitality career can go.
Rebecca Corden - A Song for Her Mum
Music, Memory, and a Moment That Mattered
When Rebecca Corden stepped onto the Dalata’s Got Talent stage, she wasn’t there to win. She was there to honour her mum.
Rebecca’s original song — written during one of the hardest times in her life — moved the audience to tears, and ultimately won her the competition.
“Performing again after losing my mum felt impossible,” she shares. “But the encouragement from my team reminded me: she would’ve wanted me to play.”
For Rebecca, winning wasn’t the highlight.
It was reconnecting with a part of herself she thought she’d lost — and feeling her mum’s pride shining through every note.
A beautiful reminder that at Dalata, we celebrate all the stories that make us who we are.
Rory Clifford - Learner of the Year
Curiosity, Hard Work, and Pride
From the green fields of Kerry to the fast-paced world of Central Office, Rory Clifford’s journey is all about growth.
Originally planning to be a vet, Rory pivoted to hospitality — and quickly found his niche in revenue systems.
Through Dalata’s Graduate Programme and continuous learning, he discovered not just skills, but confidence.
“The tools were there,” Rory says. “You just have to use them.”
Winning Learner of the Year wasn’t expected — but perfectly fitting. Rory embodies the spirit of learning that Dalata champions: curiosity, commitment, and pride in every step.
We can’t wait to see where his journey leads next.
Charlotte Weston - Manager of the Year
THIS IS PLACEHOLDER COPY
From the green fields of Kerry to the fast-paced world of Central Office, Rory Clifford’s journey is all about growth.
Originally planning to be a vet, Rory pivoted to hospitality — and quickly found his niche in revenue systems.
Through Dalata’s Graduate Programme and continuous learning, he discovered not just skills, but confidence.
“The tools were there,” Rory says. “You just have to use them.”
Winning Learner of the Year wasn’t expected — but perfectly fitting. Rory embodies the spirit of learning that Dalata champions: curiosity, commitment, and pride in every step.
We can’t wait to see where his journey leads next.
Brenda Witherspoon — Life, Work and Finding Balance
From Australia to Ireland, and Building a Second Family
When Brenda Witherspoon moved across the world, she expected a job — not a family.
Today, as Deputy General Manager at the Gibson Hotel, she’s found both.
Brenda’s career journey at Dalata has been shaped by passion, opportunity — and real support at life’s biggest moments, including the arrival of her son Luke.
Returning after maternity leave could have been daunting. Instead, Brenda found flexibility, encouragement, and a pathway back to leadership.
“Dalata believed in me even when I doubted myself,” she shares. “It gave me the space to rebuild my confidence.”
Seeing role models balance family and career — leaders like Lynn, Garret, and Ed — gave Brenda the blueprint she needed to keep moving forward.
Today, Brenda is proud to show others that you can have ambition and balance — and she’s excited for everything still to come.
At Dalata, growth is part of our DNA. We invest in our people through development programmes, leadership training, and hands-on experience — helping every colleague build a career they’re proud of. Because when you grow, we grow.
We believe brilliant work deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s a first promotion, a major award, or a quiet moment of courage, we shine a spotlight on the people who bring our culture to life every day.
We don’t just open doors — we help you walk through them. From graduate programmes to senior leadership development, we create real opportunities for progression across every part of our business, at every stage of your career.
Dalata is built on values that matter: fairness, integrity, and inclusion. We’re proud to create a place where everyone feels supported to be themselves, celebrated for what they bring, and empowered to shape a better future — for themselves and for our industry.
