James Mann

Hospitality Lecturer

“I am a Business Graduate from Nottingham –my passion has always been within Hospitality, Travel & Events. Because of this the last 10 years I have found myself working on some great projects both in the UK and Internationally.

“Further to graduating at Sheffield Hallam University within their Business School I moved to London where I joined the O2 Arena. I had the pleasure of working on many projects including the Olympics, ATP, NBA, Brit Awards and many concerts to name a few. As Head of Premium Services my responsibilities at the O2 were all operational activities for VIP areas – including backstage/greenroom all the Bars and special events spaces.

“Presented with the opportunity to move to Sydney, Australia I took over operations of the Ivy, I was able to take my experience overseas, and I haven’t looked back since.  

“More recently working in the Maldives at the –  Finolhu resort as head of Events or in stranger terms the “Director of Moods”, I was responsible for all Events and VIP Guest services. Where, as a career highlight of mine, I delivered one of the resorts very first music & arts festivals – Evolution.

“A few careers highlights would have to be operationally running the VIP and afterparties for the Brit awards at the o2 Arena 2 years in a row and opening the Maldives first nightclub – Los Angles/New York brand ‘1oak’.

“Having always had an interest in training and development I am extremely excited to join the HE team here at Middlesbrough college. As a new teacher, delivering the Hospitality management (BA) programme is definitely a new challenge for me and I hope that my experience and love for the industry can be clearly seen. I came into teaching as a part of my own personal development – I want to consult or work for a hotel brand in the future, so teaching experience and a Hospitality masters will help with this.

“Travel, live music and events are my passion. If I’m not at a concert in my spare time, I’m planning a short get away!”

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