Hospitality Beats Cancer

David is Head of Property Services at Leisure Property Services and Hotel Partners Africa, with over three decades of experience in global hotel investment and valuation. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, David has advised clients in more than 180 countries and authored leading industry texts including Hotel Valuation for Investors. His expertise spans hotel sales, site acquisition, operator selection, and strategic tourism consulting. Not a stranger to taking on challenges, David took part in “Mt. Kili Madness,” where, after a gruelling seven-day trek across Mount Kilimanjaro, he helped set a world record for the highest-altitude game of cricket played, all while raising funds for charity. As the Chair of Hospitality Beats Cancer, David is the driving force behind assembling a dynamic board to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

Nadia is Vice Chair of Hospitality Beats Cancer and a seasoned legal advisor with over 17 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. She has held senior in-house roles at Hilton Worldwide, IHG, and Sonder, and practiced at Clifford Chance and CMS. Nadia specializes in hotel management and franchise agreements, branded residences, and complex commercial transactions. Known for her strategic insight and diplomatic approach, she is a trusted advisor to owners, investors, and international hospitality brands.

Sarah, along with Nadia is Vice Chair of Hospitality Beats Cancer and a seasoned hotel finance specialist . With a career spanning banking, brand development, and debt advisory, she has held key roles at Barclays, RBS, and Hilton UK & Ireland. Now a Director at HOTELFINANCE, Sarah is known for structuring complex deals and delivering innovative funding solutions. Her deep sector expertise and collaborative approach make her a trusted advisor in hotel investment and development.

David, the Treasurer for Hospitality Beats Cancer and a senior executive at COMO Holdings. With a career rooted in strategic development and operational leadership, he plays a key role in guiding COMO’s luxury hospitality, fashion, and wellness ventures across Europe and beyond. Known for his expertise in high-end consumer markets and cross-border investment, David oversees governance, asset performance, and long-term growth across the group’s global portfolio.

Katherine Doggrell is a leading hospitality communications expert and co-founder of NewDog PR. With over 20 years in journalism, including roles at the Financial Times and Hotel Analyst, she brings sharp editorial insight and deep industry knowledge to hotel investors and operators. Author of Checking Out, Katherine explores the impact of the sharing economy on hospitality. Known for her wit and clarity, she is a frequent speaker and moderator at global industry events.

Aoife Roche is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 20 years of global experience in sales, revenue strategy, and client success. As Vice President of Sales for EMEA at STR, part of the CoStar Group, she leads a multilingual team delivering real-time analytics to hotel stakeholders across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a background spanning boutique hotels and consultancy roles in London, Paris, and New York, Aoife is known for her strategic insight and client-focused approach. She holds a BA in Applied Languages and is currently pursuing an MBA.

Jon Colley is a seasoned hotel real estate and investment executive with over 20 years of experience across the UK and Europe. As Chief Strategic Growth Officer at Valor Hospitality Partners, he leads regional expansion through strategic partnerships and deal sourcing. Previously, Jon served as EVP of Acquisitions and Development at PPHE Hotel Group, driving portfolio growth and high-value investments. Known for his commercial acumen and deep industry networks, Jon brings a sharp focus on innovation, sustainable growth, and stakeholder value.

Ricky Kapoor is a seasoned hospitality executive and entrepreneur, serving as Managing Director UK at Palm Holdings. Based between Edinburgh and London, he oversees a diverse portfolio of hotels and real estate assets, including The Edinburgh Collection and Haymarket Hub Hotel. With a background in hotel management and real estate development, Ricky brings a hands-on, guest-focused approach to leadership. He is also a Board Trustee of Binti International and holds a degree from De Montfort University, with executive training in ESG leadership from King’s College London.

Felicity Jones is a leading corporate lawyer and Partner at Watson Farley & Williams in London, where she heads the firm’s EMEA Hotels & Hospitality group. She advises clients across Europe and the Middle East on complex real estate transactions, with deep expertise in acquisitions, joint ventures, and operational structuring. Known for her commercial pragmatism and cross-border insight, Felicity frequently works with institutional investors, private equity firms, and hospitality brands. She is ranked in Chambers UK and regularly contributes to industry panels and publications.

Jane Pendlebury is a respected leader in the global hospitality industry and currently serves as CEO of HOSPA, the UK’s premier association for hospitality finance, revenue management, and IT professionals. With a background that bridges hotel operations and hospitality technology, Jane began her career in hotel management before moving into tech consultancy and executive leadership roles across Europe. Since becoming CEO of HOSPA in 2016, she has championed innovation, professional development, and industry collaboration. A passionate advocate for the sector, Jane is a sought-after speaker and mentor, committed to shaping the future of hospitality through education and community.

Shona Pushpaharan is a senior banking executive with over 20 years of experience in hospitality finance, capital markets, and commercial banking. As Head of Hotels, Healthcare and Landed Estates at Coutts, she leads bespoke financial strategies for owners, operators, and investors across complex real estate sectors. Her career includes leadership roles at Dominvs Group and Clydesdale Bank, with a consistent focus on strategic investment and sector innovation. Shona holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Wales and is widely respected for her commercial insight and collaborative approach.