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Des McDonald
Owner concept Management Co - Retail specialist - Property development - International hospitality director - Business management specialist
Des McDonald is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in the hospitality and business sectors. He served as the group chief executive of Caprice Holdings, Soho House Group, and the Birley Group members' clubs. Later, McDonald joined Selfridges Group as an executive advisor, focusing on hospitality, food halls, and restaurants.
During his tenure, McDonald spearheaded various strategic initiatives and signed an agreement with Eataly to open its first store in the UK, which is due to launch at Broadgate London in Q4 2020. Additionally, he established Des McDonald Management Company, collaborating with industry experts to develop innovative concepts for bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels. The management team excels in turnarounds, brand development, and strategy implementation.
McDonald's key strengths lie in strategy development, commercial growth, and product innovation. He has a wealth of experience in operational management and stakeholder relations, fostering strong partnerships with CEOs, founders, and senior leaders across different organizations. With over 20 years of experience, McDonald possesses a deep understanding of marketing, operations, commercial functions, and people management.
His track record includes scaling venture-backed businesses globally, leading large cross-functional teams, and implementing transformative business strategies. McDonald's commercial acumen has driven notable ROI and accelerated company growth through innovative solutions and operational excellence.
Educationally, McDonald holds diplomas in hospitality and business, along with certifications in operations management. He has pursued further studies in hospitality and business at Westminster College
Throughout his career, McDonald has been affiliated with various organizations, including founding Des McDonald Hospitality Management Co and serving in executive roles at prominent companies such as Selfridges Group, Rosewood London, and Caprice Holdings. Additionally, he has held leadership positions at Station Personal Training, Hotel Solutions Partnership, and Saffron Restaurant Company, among others.
