Guest Blog Post By: Charlotte Gili-Ross, Brand & Communications Manager
From Pouring Shots to Calling the Shots: how a dream career path unfolded at Ribby Hall Village
Some might say that hospitality jobs are a short-term option, but if you ask Mark Leech, who has spent nineteen years developing his career at Ribby Hall Village, he will certainly disagree.
Mark, 38, has just been named Director of Operations at the five-star Holiday Village in Wrea Green, nineteen years after joining the business as a student. From those humble beginnings as a part-time bar worker, Mark now finds himself in overall charge of significant swathes of this award-winning, family business.
Commenting on his promotion, Mark says: “I’m genuinely honoured to have been given this opportunity. This is a fantastic business, whose success is made possible by the talented, hard-working people who make up our various teams, and by dynamic, committed leadership.”
“I cannot wait to work with all of them to help the business grow and develop it even further.”
As Director of Operations, Mark will look after many of Ribby Hall Village’s diverse offerings which are available to a variety of shared audiences. He believes the experience he has gained over the years stands him in good stead for the challenges that await.
“I started in what is now Harrison’s Bar and worked my way up to pool manager, general manager of the Health Club, and then on to the senior management team,” says Mark. “Along the way, I’ve looked after activity clubs, the golf course, worked in the gym and even been a lifeguard in the pool!”
A graduate of Leisure and Sports Management at UCLAN, Mark’s nineteen years at Ribby Hall Village have taught him that a business cannot stand still if it wants to survive and prosper. He was instrumental in bringing both Starbucks and Papa Johns to the business in 2009 and 2010 respectively, and in adding the SPAR store in 2016.
Ribby Hall Village Chief Executive & Managing Director, Paul Harrison & Operations Director, Mark Leech.
In his new role, Mark will be responsible for managing 346 staff members, a significant number of Ribby’s almost 600 strong workforce. “I want to continue to develop career progression for the many brilliant people who already work here,” says Mark. “We have exciting plans for The Village in the coming years and I’m determined that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to achieving those goals.
“It’s a competitive business and, with the right people and a focused leadership, we can continue to deliver quality products, services and experiences for both our guests and the local area. I look forward to being a part of that.”
Paul Harrison, Chief Executive & Managing Director comments “Mark Leech has worked at Ribby for almost 19 years, during that time Mark has progressed and developed from a Lifeguard to Sports Manager to Senior Manager to now Director of Operations and all before the age of 40.”
“Every time Mark has been given additional responsibility, not only has he risen to the challenge but he has excelled, improving Business performance through dedication; teamwork; attention to detail and a keen focus on delivering outstanding results. Mark’s well-earned promotion provides him with an ideal opportunity to further improve areas and introduce new ideas. Our five year forward business plan includes a number of new and exciting initiatives yet to be implemented and in order to deliver on these; I’m looking forward to working closely with Mark and the management team.
“Mark’s hard work has been recognised with his promotion and has been warmly received by all at Ribby – so congratulations are well deserved.”
A keen golfer, Mark lives in Kirkham with partner Claire, son Joseph and step-daughters, Alex and Anna. He is a member at St Anne’s Old Links Golf Club and enjoys (for his sins) watching Manchester United FC.
Q&A
If you weren’t Director of Operations at Ribby Hall Village, what would you like to be?
Definitely a professional golfer, although I would need a talent transplant to make that happen!
What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
Getting to know, and to work with, team members I haven’t worked so closely with before. We have a fantastic team here at Ribby and I’m very excited about working collaboratively with others to achieve our goals.
What are your short-term priorities?
Obviously, we will need to appoint a new manager for the Health Club as soon as possible. I want to spend time getting to know the new managers and teams I’ll be working with and hearing their ideas about how we move forward.
What do you see as your biggest challenges in the year ahead?
It might sound obvious but we’re in a competitive business and we have to work very hard to create the right balance between income generation and operational costs. We have exciting plans for the business but can only make the additional investment if we continue to grow.
Staff recruitment, retention and development are crucial, too. There is a perception that careers in hospitality are not long term and we need to smash that myth by putting into place real, tangible career development paths for our employees. If I can do it anyone can!
Do you have any particularly fond memories of your career at Ribby?
Too many to mention. Staff sports events, golf days and nights out have all created many very memorable (and some unprintable) moments. Obviously, I’ve enjoyed the new challenges, the targets I’ve achieved and promotions I’ve gained whilst here, but my fondest memories are of the people I’ve worked with over the years and the very strong friendships I’ve made.
Who do you most admire, and why?
There are so many for various reasons, but I am going to say my dad, first and foremost, for everything he has achieved in his life. I always knew he worked hard but I understand it more now.
Are you involved in any charity work and community activities?
My son Joseph goes to Pear Tree, a truly amazing school we are so lucky to have on our doorstep, and Derian House provides limited respite care for him, too. Both very much rely on the kindness of people for financial support and both are very close to my heart.
What advice would you give to people just starting out?
Work hard, believe in yourself, keep a look out for opportunities and, when you see them, take them. And, don’t forget to be nice to people along the way.
Do you have a favourite TV show?
Any of the major golf tournaments are a must, but my favourite drama is Peaky Blinders.
Which role models would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My golf obsession might come to the fore here – no pun intended – but here goes:
- Jordan Speith – an amazing, major-winning golfer who does loads of work for charities through his own foundation which he started for his younger sister Ellie who was born with a neurological disorder. Ellie has special needs and is his constant source of support and grounding
- Ricky Fowler – awesome golfer who I’d like to persuade to have a round with me.
- Dr Bob Rotella – world famous golf phycologist, lots of tour players use him to prepare them mentally for a tournament
- Elon Musk – not sure if he’s a genius or a madman, but it would be very interesting trying to find out!
- Adele – great voice and I’m sure she would be a good laugh too
- Kirsty Gallagher, daughter of the former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, I’d have plenty of questions to ask Kirsty – and all about her father of course
- Tom Cruise – just to chat about Topgun, which is my favourite film
- James Cordon – he would throw in some good laughs
Tell us a secret (or two)
I’ve won on the National Lottery six times this year but, before you all come running, they weren’t big wins!
This month, and after more than 30 years of playing golf I finally got a hole in one – at Royal Lytham too.
