back to kempinski.com

Who's who

The Stafford has long been considered one of the finest hotels in the London. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your stay is faultless from the moment you arrive. Meet some of the people who, along with the rest of our dutiful staff, will ensure you have a memorable stay.

Leon Baum - General Manager

Leon joined The Stafford in July 2006 as Senior Assistant Manager having previously worked at Dukes Hotel as Front of House Manager. Prior to Dukes, Leon worked at The Sloane Club, a private members club in Chelsea where he was on a management training programme learning all aspects of the hospitality business.
Frank Laino - Executive Head Concierge

Although of Italian parents, Frank is a born and bred Londoner. He has worked as a Concierge in London for over 20 years and has worked at The Stafford since 1998. In this time he has built up an extensive network of contacts both locally and internationally, which means that whatever the request, Frank can make it happen. Frank was recently awarded "Best Concierge in the World" by the publication, Luxury Travel Advisor and is a proud member of the Clefs D'Or.
Sarah Pendrigh - PA to the General Manager

Sarah has worked at The Stafford since June 1999, although she has been involved with the hotel for a lot longer having previously worked for Trafalgar House PLC, the former parent company of The Stafford. Sarah's main role within the hotel is to assist Leon, but she also works closely with reservations and deals with all VIP bookings.
Benoit Provost - Bar Manager

Ben trained at Catering school in St. Nazaire, France for five years before travelling around Europe. The idea was to end the trip in England, where he planned to stay a year to improve his English. That was a long time ago and in 1993 Ben joined The Stafford and has been learning English ever since!In 1997 Ben became the Bar Manager replacing the late and beloved Charles, who will be proud to see the high standards and jovial atmosphere of the bar are still going strong.
Carsten Seubert - Executive Assistant Manager

Carsten joined The Stafford in August 2010 as Executive Assistant Manager from Kempinski Corporate Office in Geneva. Before joining Kempinski in 2006, Carsten worked for several luxury hotels in his home city Munich where he also started his hotel career with a management training programme.
Peter Hinchliffe - Food Operations Manager

Peter joined The Stafford in March 2010 from The Dorchester Hotel. Prior to this, Peter was General Manager at michelin starred The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.
Having undertaken a management trainee course at Northcote Manor, in his home town of Blackburn, Peter is excited to transfer all his skills into making The Stafford known for it's food and beverage offering.
Aideen Whelehan - Director of People

Upon completion of her International Business Diploma and Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Shannon College of Hotel Management and National University of Ireland Galway, Irish-born Aideen moved to London to begin her career in Human Resources at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel. In 2004 she moved to The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, where she spent five years within the Human Resources Department. Since joining The Stafford London by Kempinski in November 2010, Aideen has created a training and development culture at the hotel, improving employees prospects and team morale. She is CIPD Qualified and a Licensed Trainer.
Emma Gaymer - Event Sales Manager

Emma started her hotel career over 10 years ago and in that time has combined work with travel in gaining experience in properties in the USA, UK and New Zealand. Emma joined The Stafford in March 2011 during the refurbishment of the Main House and aims to make our guest's meetings, celebrations and private dinners unforgettable events.
Jan Mindermann - Rooms Operations Manager

Jan has been working in London for the past 4 years. He joined The Stafford as Reservations Manager in 2010 and has taken on the role of Rooms Operations Manager in 2011. Before joining The Stafford Jan held various positions at The Ritz London within the Reservations and Front Office department. Prior to coming to London, Jan completed his 3 year apprenticeship with the InterContinental Hotels Group in Germany.
Ursula von Platen-Horande - PR Manager

Ursula started her PR career with Kempinski in 2002 at the group's regional office in London. Over the years, she was given several assignments by Kempinski's Head Office, working in the Dubai, Beijing, Munich, Geneva and Bangkok. Since summer 2010, she took on the role as in-house PR Manager for The Stafford, additionally to her duties as Regional Director of PR for the UK and Ireland.
Katerina Esakova - Director of Sales

Katerina was born in Moscow; she did her first degree in languages before joining the hospitality industry with a luxury outbound travel company specializing on tours to Africa, Indian Ocean and Caribbean Islands.
She worked as a Sales Director with the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts for 7 years before moving to London in 2009. In London she joined The Langham Hotel after extensive refurbishment. Katerina is currently completing her MBA.

The Stafford London

St James's Place 16-18, SW1A 1NJ London +44 207 493 0111