SALLY Hughes has come a long way since her first job as a medical secretary to her current role managing a Park Inn by Radisson global hotel of the year in York.

When she saw a newspaper advertising an opening at the new Radisson Blu hotel in Leeds, Ms Hughes was working as PA to the District Commander of the West Yorkshire Police force – a role she had held for more than a decade. But, with her children growing up, she felt the time had come for a new challenge in a brand new industry.

She said: "I didn’t know the first thing about the hospitality industry, but I’ve always loved working with people, and my previous roles had all involved customer service, which I thoroughly enjoyed."

Sally worked alongside the general manager to oversee the conversion and opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds.

After gaining experience in key departments, she was promoted to operations manager at the hotel.

When she was offered the job of general manager at the Park Inn Dublin within the hotel group she jumped at the chance, and subsequently managed the Park Inn London and Radisson Blu Cardiff, too, before returning to her home county of Yorkshire in 2012 to run the Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre.

The hotel is currently undergoing the final phase of a £9 million refurbishment that will see the restaurant, conferencing and event facilities upgraded ready to reopen in September.

She said: "In every role I’ve had at Carlson Rezidor I’ve been involved in refurbishment projects, but this is the biggest so far.

"It’s great to be back in Yorkshire, but the experiences I’ve had over the last 14 years with the group have been incredible, too. I’ve travelled the globe, met royalty, worked in so many different cities and met some truly amazing people. I wouldn’t swap it for the world."

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"I think I’ve found my perfect job, but there’s a part of me that wishes I had the talent to be an architect."

Greatest achievement?

"Other than my family, I couldn’t have been prouder than when our hotel was named Global Hotel of the Year in May this year, out of the 140 Park Inn hotels across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa. It’s a real coup for us, and a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team here. They’re fantastic, and I couldn’t wait to share the news with them all."

What makes you most angry?

"I don’t like being lied to. I’d far rather people were open and honest than trying to cover up mistakes by being dishonest."

Biggest mistake?

"Not coming into the hospitality industry earlier, which might well have given me opportunities to work even further afield and learn new languages."

What do you need to make life complete?

"A second home, near the sea."

Why do you make a difference?

"I have been told that it’s because I respect people and treat them fairly. I genuinely care about my team and I’m quick to acknowledge a job well done."

Epitaph

"Don’t waste energy on things you cannot change."