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Abi Dunn
Founder//Hospitality Crusader//Connecting dream jobs and hospitality superstars.
Professional Background
Abi Dunn is a highly skilled and resourceful leader in the hospitality recruitment industry, with an impressive career characterized by innovation and a strong commitment to excellence. As the Founder of Sixty Eight People, she has positioned her consultancy as a highly connected resource, dedicated to matching exceptional talent with the best employers within the hospitality sector. Abi’s straightforward approach and extensive network have made her a trusted figure in the industry, helping many individuals find their ideal roles while supporting businesses in sourcing shining stars to join their teams.
With years of experience under her belt, Abi has been a trailblazer in hospitality recruitment, driving forward the narrative of employment in this dynamic and fast-paced industry. As the Chief of Dream Jobs at Sixty Eight People, she has made significant strides in transforming the way recruitment is approached, emphasizing the need for personal connections and genuine relationships in filling job positions. Her setup is not just a consultancy; it's a community aimed at uplifting both candidates and employers alike.
Education and Achievements
Abi's journey in the realm of recruitment is underpinned by a solid educational foundation. She attended Skipton Girls High School, where she laid the groundwork for her future studies and career aspirations. Following her high school education, Abi pursued her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Geography at the prestigious University of Liverpool. Here, she honed her analytical skills, developed a keen eye for detail, and cultivated an understanding of the broader dynamics that influence various sectors—including the fast-evolving field of hospitality.
Her educational achievements have served her well throughout her varied career. Prior to establishing Sixty Eight People, Abi held several leadership and managerial positions in various organizations, each contributing to her comprehensive understanding of the hospitality and recruitment landscapes. She previously served as the Director - North at Bee Recruitment, where she played a crucial role in steering the recruitment strategies that connected organizations with skilled professionals.
Before that, Abi was the Divisional Manager for Hospitality and Catering at Search Consultancy. Her expertise in this position allowed her to oversee numerous projects and teams, fostering growth and recruitment success across various sectors. Her earlier roles, including Training & Development Manager and Recruitment Manager at Revolution Bars Group PLC, provided her with firsthand experience in recruitment and talent management, further honing her ability to identify and nurture talent.
In addition to these prominent positions, Abi’s role as a Recruitment Consultant at SVB Recruitment enabled her to develop a passion for coordinating the best matches between candidates and employers. Furthermore, she served as General Manager at Inventive Leisure, where she gained valuable insight into hospitality operations, shaping her criteria for identifying the right talent for numerous roles in the industry.
Notable Contributions
Beyond her impressive career trajectory, Abi is also known for her advocacy in the hospitality sector, notably as the co-creator of the #nomorenoshows campaign. This initiative aims to tackle the issue of candidates failing to show up for interviews, which in turn disrupts operations and creates added challenges for employers. Through this initiative, Abi is actively seeking to reshape the conduct of job seekers, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and accountability in the recruitment process.
Abi Dunn’s mission is not just to find the best candidates for employers; she is on a crusade to change lives and disrupt traditional recruitment practices. Her approach to the hospitality recruitment industry goes beyond mere placements—she strives to shape the future of the industry and enhance how talent is recruited and retained. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to making a difference have set her apart as a progressive leader in her field.
Through her consultancy, Abi is helping to push the boundaries of what recruitment can achieve while making a significant impact on the lives of individuals seeking fulfilling careers in hospitality.