RICHARD Mansell is the general manager of the Royal York Hotel, taking over earlier this year at the iconic building which has recently had a multimillion-pound makeover and won two prizes at the 2016 VisitYork Tourism Awards.

Originally from Cheshire, Mr Mansell has worked in the hotel and hospitality industry all his life, starting with a summer job as a chef in a local gastropub at the age of 15.

“It’s an amazing industry, it allows you to have some amazing adventures in life,” he said. “We have a fantastic opportunity to create significant experiences that people remember for a lifetime.”

In his 20s he spent about six years working for various international hotel companies in different parts of the US. “I have always loved travel and new experiences, it’s what I have always loved about the business,” he said.

Mr Mansell also lived in Ireland and Italy, then returned to the UK with his wife and two children. The family lived in York for a time while he helped to oversee the opening of Raithwaite Hall at Whitby in 2012.

Since then he has managed a number of projects for the group which owns the Royal York, before moving to the refurbished hotel in February.

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

I have always been fascinated by travel and exploring cultures. I would have loved to have learned to fly and to have been a pilot.

Greatest achievement?

I pride myself on being able to achieve a work-life balance. I have two amazing children aged six and seven, and I think being able to balance home life with working in a 24/7 business is really important.

What makes you most angry?

I think for me it’s laziness and tardiness. Time is the most precious commodity we have.

Biggest mistake?

I don’t live by regrets. I learn lessons every day and make sure to improve if I need to. Life’s too short for regrets.

What do you need to make complete?

I’m very lucky; I have an amazing family, I love what I do and I’ve had great experiences in life. The only thing I might want is more time.

Why do you make a difference?

Business for me is all about relationships, especially with the team here. It’s about having a very clear direction, but also taking the time to get to know your people so they feel they have a personal connection with you. Ultimately I help people to achieve and I help people to become better.

Epitaph

I like to think I have helped people to achieve their goals and dreams, and I have helped to create a few special hotels along the way, that will go on longer than I do.