Focus Group, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of essential business technology, today announced the appointment of Alessandra Leoni MIH as Head of Hospitality.
The hospitality industry veteran will be leading the newly formed industry division – Focus on Hospitality – to deliver hotels consultative support, strategic development and essential infrastructure for IT and digital transformation. With over 30 years experience in hotel commercial and operations departments, Leoni is lending her knowledge to enable hotels to implement the infrastructure designed to integrate into the hospitality tech stack. Focus on Hospitality is primed to underpin industry systems with fully integrated voice solutions, resilient connectivity and cybersecurity tailored to the UK’s independent hotels, portfolio groups and brands.
Following a 14-year career with Resident Hotels and tenures with Hilton and Carey International, Leoni has vast experience across operational, commercial and revenue functions. She’s risen through the ranks from housekeeping to Commercial and IT Director, strategically instrumental in numerous full IT infrastructure and tech stack overhauls – creating, centralising and optimising core processes for business expansion. Leoni will support the Focus on Hospitality business development team to deliver solutions that help hotels boost profitability and streamline operations, while optimising and engaging staff and guests.
Focus Group is renowned for combining industry-specific expertise from known and established professionals with proven track records, and is prominent for its IT and communications solutions that deliver measurable results. The hospitality industry is increasingly leaning on technology to navigate challenges such as rising costs, fluctuating guest expectations, and workforce optimisation.
Richard Osborn, Director of UC/CX and Connectivity, Focus Group, commented: “This is the start of a new chapter for Focus Group as we develop our new hospitality division. With Alessandra’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry and a proven track record of IT and commercial leadership, she brings a wealth of insightful knowledge that will be instrumental in supporting hoteliers achieve their objectives. This will drive our company forward. Her expertise, network and passion will be invaluable as we expand, and we are excited to see the positive impact she will have on our growth and success.”
As part of her remit, Leoni will be leading collaborations with key events, conferences and associations, as well as main suppliers and vendor partners. Alessandra Leoni, Head of Hospitality, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to genuinely help hotels facilitate change in their business. I have the opportunity to contribute my background and experience to a company with such a strong reputation for community and customer services, while enabling businesses to evolve. I look forward to working with the talented team here and supporting Focus on Hospitality’s growth and success to relieve hotels of the pressure of managing tech estates. This ultimately means that hotel teams can focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and running smooth, efficient operations.”
Focus on Hospitality already supports more than 200 hospitality businesses across the UK including Michels and Taylor, Exclusive Collection, Klarent Hospitality, Interstate, Radisson Blu, Langham Hotel, Waldorf Astoria, Brown’s Hotel, and The Balmoral.
Focus on Hospitality provides hotels with bespoke digital transformation strategies that address both operational needs and guest expectations. Focus on Hospitality IT, voice and connectivity solutions seamlessly integrate with existing systems and tech stacks, reducing overheads and enhancing profitability.
