James B. Clarke FIH MI

General Manager

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel

James B. Clarke is General Manager of Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London. He is a dynamic and experienced hotelier with a passion for developing and nurturing the future talent of the industry, through early engagement, community interaction, education, and opportunity generation. For Clarke team will always come first, believing that if supported, encouraged, and empowered, in turn the team will go above and beyond to create ‘magical carpet’ moments for every guest from arrival to departure. Clarke has many years of experience in the hospitality industry, including completing the prestigious General Manager Programme at Cornell University in 2015. Hailing from Boyle, County Roscommon, a small town in rural West of Ireland, at the age of just 19, Clarke took an internship at the Marriot Grand Hotel in Fairhope Alabama, from there he rose quickly through the ranks and his global career has since spanned London, the United States and Caribbean. During this time Clarke worked in range of luxury properties including the world-famous Waldorf Astoria New York and Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, London. Most recently Clarke successfully opened and managed the multi-ward winning Hilton London Bankside hotel, a property renowned for its service and innovation. Recognised for his strategic leadership, throughout his career Clarke has played a pivotal role in achieving remarkable success. Clarke’s previous properties garnering numerous accolades, such as the coveted prize of Luxury City Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in both 2021 and 2022, and the title of Hotel of the Year (group) at The Cateys Awards 2020 for Hilton London Bankside. During his tenure at London Hilton on Park Lane he was awarded Director of Operations of the Year 2013 UK and whilst at at Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, London Food & Beverage Director of the Year 2010 at The Cateys. As well as facilitating the success of these hotels, Clarke has also been awarded a host of industry and community achievements in his own right, including the Master Innholder status, which is recognised as one of the highest honours of hotel management. In 2022, in acknowledgement of his work and commitment to the Master Innholders’ objectives of providing opportunities for development and education in the industry, Clarke was appointed Vice Chairperson. A great supporter of the local community, during his time at Hilton London Bankside Clarke was appointed Executive Board Member of the local BID (Business Improvement District) Better Bankside, offering his time and expertise to causes and initiatives that benefit those living and working in the area. Driven by an unwavering commitment to the industry Clarke became a member of the organising committee of Hospitality Action’s ‘Back to the floor 6, 2024’, which raises over £250,000 for vulnerable people in the industry. Clarke places the utmost importance on the growth and well-being of his team, understanding that the hotel's success rests upon the collective strength of its employees, he firmly believes in cultivating their potential. In addition to his steadfast dedication to his colleagues and community, Clarke remains resolute in providing unparalleled customer service and as a shrewd operator, who ceaselessly explores avenues to generate revenue growth, Clarke delivers consistent and predictable top and bottom-line results