The Savoy team is delighted to announce two new appointments this July; Sam Riches as the new Director of Sales & Marketing and Valeriia Korolenko as the new Director of Rooms. Sam replaces Linda Hodgson who moves to Fairmont Century Plaza, LA and Valeriia replaces Alison Vernon who moves to Raffles London at The OWO, both brands within the Accor family.
Sam Riches, Director of Sales & Marketing
Joining from the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in Marylebone where he held the role of Director of Sales & Marketing, Sam’s career in the London five-star hotel scene spans two decades, working for some of the world’s most prestigious brands. He began his career in 2002 as an F&B Management Trainee at The Berkeley and Claridge’s, when they were part of The Savoy Group. His relationship with The Savoy began at this point when he attended a Sommelier course at the hotel. In the following years Sam progressed in numerous Sales & Marketing roles in hotels such as Four Seasons, Bulgari and The London EDITION. Having launched three hotels, from Knightsbridge to Shoreditch, Sam knows the London luxury hotel scene inside and out and is looking forward to bringing his breadth of experience to The Savoy, helping to drive the hotel’s commercial success to new heights.
Valeriia Korolenko, Director of Rooms
With over 15 years’ experience in the industry and an accomplished resumé covering all areas of hospitality, Valeriia Korolenko will take the helm as the new Director of Rooms from 1 August. Valeriia began her career at the Four Seasons in Lisbon, before moving to Four Seasons, Park Lane. Following a brief stint at Ralph Lauren Hospitality managing Food and Beverage operations, she moved onto The Kensington Hotel (Doyle Collection) progressing from Rooms Division Manager to Operations Manager, and finally on to Beaverbrook, Surrey.
Managing Director and Regional Vice President of The Savoy, Franck Arnold, commented, “We are incredibly excited to be welcoming both Sam and Valeriia to The Savoy family. Their vision and expertise as well as impressive experience within the hospitality industry is set to elevate our five-star offering even further!”
