Pictured above: Otterly brilliant! Samantha Otter celebrates
her promotion to deputy general manager at East Lodge hotel and
restaurant in Rowsley
As a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and wedding venue,
Derbyshire's East Lodge is no stranger to congratulations and
celebrations - but this time the celebrations are taking place
'in-house' as a key member of the hotel's front of house team has
been promoted to the senior position of deputy general manager.
The lady in the limelight is Samantha Otter, who takes on her
new role in recognition of her performance as part of the East
Lodge team that has already scooped two Enjoy England Silver and
Gold Awards this year for Outstanding Customer Service.
No one is more thrilled than the newly appointed Sam, who
together with her colleague and senior weddings and events manager
Charlotte Mitchell has been at the heart of the hotel's
achievements in delivering the highest levels of customer
satisfaction. The East Lodge team has been consistently recognised
as one of the top establishments for customer service in the
country, which has led Sam to be recognised for the instrumental
part she has played in the success of the business.
"I am so thrilled to be promoted," said Sam. "To be responsible
for such a key role in one of the best hotels in the country like
East Lodge means so much. When I first walked through the door I
never dreamed I would one day be deputy general manager. I have
really enjoyed being duty manager but having a new role is a great
feeling and a really proud moment."
Commenting on Sam's promotion, East Lodge deputy managing
director Iain Hardman, said: "Sam is a brilliant member of staff
and the way that she has applied herself as part of our front of
house team is incredible. This is a well deserved achievement for
Sam and I am sure she will continue to be a great success as the
deputy general manager at East Lodge.
Sam has worked her way up to this level and she is a shining
example of the opportunities available for people in the
hospitality industry and a real role model for those who are
prepared to work hard and go the extra mile."
Sourcing the right people is essential for a venue like East
Lodge that has built its reputation on exemplary customer service.
The UK is pretty low on most international visitors' lists when it
comes to customer service; a view only matched by the perception of
the hospitality industry as a poor career path for women in
particular, but Sam is living proof this perception is far from
reality.
"With her promotion to deputy general manager, Sam joins her
colleague Charlotte on the hotel's senior management team and
proves that women can and do rise to the top," added Iain. "The
hospitality industry is a fantastic career choice and the sky is
the limit for people like Sam."
Owned by the Hardman family, East Lodge has remained a
multi-award winning venue by constantly improving its service and
by training and promoting key players in the business like Sam to
senior positions. Led by deputy managing director Iain Hardman,
this Hotel of the Year remains one of only 48 hotels in the country
to be awarded a Visit England Gold Award.