Master Innholders Community Spotlight – Richard Lee IS

We've recently been speaking with members of the Master Innholders community to find out more about their hospitality careers, what working in hospitality means to them, as well as what they are doing currently to give back to the industry as part of their work.

This week, we spoke to Richard Lee IS, newly appointed Chair of the Innholder Scholars and General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross. He shares his aims and vision for the Innholder Scholars moving forward, why programmes like it are so important in the industry today, as well as advice for those looking to apply when applications reopen in May.

As the new Innholder Scholars Chair, can you tell us a bit more about your aims and vision for the programme and alumni community moving forward?

As Chair, I’m very conscious that I’m building on the legacy of a long-standing and highly respected organisation. My role is to both honour that history and help shape the next chapter in a way that remains relevant to today’s industry.

For me, the real value of the Innholder Scholarships extends far beyond the programme itself. The most important element is the network and the culture of lifelong learning that follows. A key priority is therefore, to continue strengthening the alumni community, ensuring it remains a dynamic platform for ongoing development, collaboration, and shared insight.

We are operating in an environment where change is constant and accelerating, so continuous professional development is essential for effective leadership. I want the alumni network to play a central role in this, particularly through our Spring and Autumn conferences, ensuring our members remain informed, challenged, and at the forefront of the industry.

Another important focus for me is broadening the diversity of our membership. There is a significant pool of talent across the industry, including in branded properties and outside of London, that may not yet be fully aware of what we offer. Expanding our reach into these areas will be key to ensuring the programme remains inclusive and representative of the industry as a whole.

Why are programmes like the Innholder Scholarships so important for people in our industry today?

Programmes like the Innholder Scholarships are critically important for professionals in our industry because they provide a consistent foundation in a highly dynamic sector. Hospitality today is defined by constant change, hotels are frequently bought and sold, brands and operators evolve, and career paths are rarely linear anymore. In this environment, organisations such as the Master Innholders and its various programmes offer continuity. They are a constant source of professional support, development, and community, regardless of where an individual is working or how their career evolves.

What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality? How long have you worked in the industry?

My career in hospitality started at 15, washing up in a local pub. At the time, my motivation was simple, I wanted to earn enough to buy a moped and go to a few music festivals, but I very quickly found myself drawn to the industry. I was struck by the energy of the environment, the strength of the team dynamic, and the immediate sense of achievement that comes from delivering a great guest experience. Although working in a busy kitchen was initially intimidating, I grew in confidence quickly, and the Head Chef took me under his wing, giving me exposure to different sections and building my skills.

That early experience sparked a genuine passion for hospitality. I went on to work front of house and behind the bar, which gave me a broader understanding of operations and guest interaction, and ultimately led me to study Hospitality Management at university. Alongside my degree, I continued working in hotels, which opened my eyes to the scale, diversity, and long-term career opportunities within the industry. Since then, I’ve built my career in hotels and it’s an industry that continues to challenge and inspire me.

What advice would you give someone looking to apply for an Innholder Scholarship? 

Applying for an Innholder Scholarship is quite different from applying for a job. The application process is a unique and valuable experience in its own right, regardless of the outcome.

My first piece of advice would be to take the time to really understand what you’re applying for. This isn’t just a course; it’s joining a long-standing professional community with a strong sense of purpose and legacy. Do your research, there is a wealth of information available through the Master Innholders website, including resources that give great insight into the history and ethos behind the programme.

Secondly, speak to people who have been through it. If you know an Innholder Scholar, ask them about their experience and what they gained from it. If you don’t, reach out, we are a very open and supportive network, and people are generally more than willing to share their perspective and help prospective candidates.

Finally, be yourself. Authenticity is key. The strength of the alumni lies in the diversity of its members, everyone brings a different background, perspective, and set of experiences. Don’t try to fit a perceived mould; the program values what makes you different.

What is one piece of knowledge/advice you took from the course that you still apply to your work today? 

I attended the General Managers Program at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 2016. What stood out to me was the opportunity to revisit many of the concepts I had studied earlier in my career, but this time through the lens of over a decade of management experience. While the core principles of strategic management haven’t fundamentally changed, the programme brought them to life in a much more practical and applied way. Learning alongside a cohort of international hotel leaders, each operating in very different markets and contexts, added a depth of perspective that you simply can’t replicate in a traditional classroom setting.

As is often the case in our industry, some of the most valuable insights came outside of the formal sessions. The discussions over dinners and drinks are often what challenged assumptions, broadened thinking, and provided real-world context to the theory.

In terms of specific takeaways, focusing on Asset Management and Real Estate was particularly impactful. It encouraged me to think more from an ownership perspective, not just an operational one. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to influence my decision-making today. I subsequently built on this by completing a Certificate in Asset Management through eCornell after I’d completed my Innholder Scholarship.

What three words would you use to describe the Innholder Scholars programme?

Transformational, Growth, Community.

A lot of the Innholder Scholarships programme focuses on leadership. What is one leadership lesson you think everyone in hospitality should know?

Start with purpose and put your people first, that’s real leadership in hospitality.