A CEO & Founder On The Power Of Pivoting
Being a practising lawyer, I learnt about structure, discipline and detail. My nearly 18 years at InterGlobe provided hands-on experience in acquisitions, joint ventures and global hospitality strategy. Moving into hospitality with Miiro offered the chance to combine that strategic and legal foundation with creativity, human connection and operational challenge. That blend of experience continues to shape how the brand is run today – guiding decisions thoughtfully while leaving room to create experiences that feel personal, purposeful and deeply connected to guests.
There wasn’t a single defining moment that catalysed my career pivot – it was a gradual shift in mindset. Over time, I felt a growing pull to move from advising on decisions to actively shaping them, particularly in areas where I could have a more direct impact on strategy and execution. That evolution ultimately led me to step away from a more traditional path and build something independently. From the very beginning, I was deeply involved in shaping the business and I now lead its roll-out as CEO. Having been part of the journey end-to-end, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Being a lawyer trains you to think critically, communicate clearly and stay calm under pressure – all essential skills as a CEO. Negotiation and problem-solving, in particular, come up every day, whether it’s with partners or internal teams. It also instilled a strong sense of discipline and thoroughness, which helps in making considered decisions while navigating the inevitable uncertainties of running a business. Just as importantly, it taught me the value of surrounding myself with experts in their field and using your own intuition – you don’t need to know everything yourself, but you do need a great team around you.
Miiro has grown at an impressive pace, opening six hotels in under eighteen months. Scaling at this pace is incredibly exciting but it comes with real complexity. The biggest challenge has been building the right teams and infrastructure quickly enough to support growth without compromising on quality. With six hotels now open across London, Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad and two in Vienna, we’re essentially launching multiple businesses at once in very different cities and markets. Ensuring alignment while moving this fast requires focus, discipline and a team that can execute the vision consistently across every property.
Consistency in quality and what we offer comes down to having a clear vision from the outset. We’re also very intentional about how it’s communicated and executed. By working with trusted designers across the portfolio and collaborating with local artists in each city, each property maintains the Miiro identity while celebrating its unique surroundings. Strong local teams, supported centrally, ensure that this balance between cohesion and individuality comes through in every detail, creating spaces that feel both recognisable and rooted in place.
Guests respond most to the thoughtfulness of the experience – a quality that was evident from Miiro’s very first opening at Le Grand Hôtel Cayré in Paris. Each property, from Barcelona to Gstaad, is designed to feel personal, considered and deeply rooted in its location rather than formulaic. By focusing on design, service, and atmosphere, the spaces feel intuitive and effortless to enjoy, creating the kind of connection that keeps guests coming back and, importantly, leaves them feeling genuinely restored after their stay.
Hospitality has long been male-dominated but that’s shifting fast. Leading as a woman comes with its challenges, yes, but it’s also a huge opportunity to reshape expectations and prove that leadership isn’t defined by gender. The focus has always been on delivering results, staying true to a clear vision and inspiring teams – credibility comes from what’s achieved.
I’m constantly inspired by the female leaders I meet, both within our business and across the industry. They are driving real change and bringing fresh perspectives to leadership. At Miiro, that’s something we’re proud of – 60% of our senior team are women, with strong female representation at the leadership level and a growing number of female general managers across our hotels. That said, there is still work to be done on representation at the very top, as well as on ensuring equal access to opportunities, investment and mentorship. Continued focus on those areas will be key to driving more meaningful, long-term change.
Any good leader should do so with clarity, empathy, and purpose – creating an environment where people feel both supported and accountable. It’s a style that balances collaboration with focus, upholds high standards and is grounded in trust and open communication. The team is encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership, and work collectively towards shared goals. That same mindset extends beyond the business. We’ve recently launched Women Who Gather, an initiative designed to inspire and support women across industries, with several new initiatives to follow.
The idea of modern luxury is changing. For me, it’s less about opulence and more about thoughtfulness, authenticity and a complete, immersive experience. For a younger, design-conscious traveller, it’s about spaces that feel curated and connected to their surroundings – where comfort, functionality and aesthetic appeal come together seamlessly. Miiro brings this definition to life by balancing style, ease and meaningful detail, creating environments that feel personal and considered, rather than relying on traditional markers of luxury.
Design is fundamental in shaping the guest experience. It sets the tone from the outset and influences how a space is felt and used. At Miiro, storytelling is equally important, with each space designed to reflect its local context through thoughtful, layered details. For example, at Templeton Garden’s restaurant and bar, Pippin’s and Sprout, a bespoke mural by decorative artist Tess Newall was hand-painted on site, drawing inspiration from the surrounding garden foliage. Ensuring each hotel reflects its local culture starts with research, observation, and collaboration with local artists, tastemakers and communities. At Templeton Garden, we also drew on Earl’s Court’s literary heritage, once home to writers like Beatrix Potter and Agatha Christie, by partnering with author Raven Smith to curate a bespoke in-house library.
The approach to any new opening begins with understanding the city, its history, culture and rhythms. From there, a concept is developed that balances Miiro’s core values with local character. Close collaboration with designers, local partners and the operations team ensures that every element, from architecture to guest experience, aligns with that philosophy, culminating in a launch that feels both distinctive and coherent.
We’re incredibly excited about what’s next for Miiro. This winter, we’ve opened two new properties in Vienna (Palais Rudolf in the 1st District and Spittelberg in the 7th), each with its own distinct personality, yet united by our ethos of thoughtful, locally rooted design. The next chapter continues to focus on bringing the Miiro philosophy to new destinations across Europe, exploring vibrant urban neighbourhoods where we can create spaces that feel authentic, memorable, and deeply connected to their surroundings. With every opening, the brand evolves. Not just in look, but in how each space feels, ensuring every detail reflects both the spirit of the destination and the needs of today’s curious traveller.
The vision for Miiro is to become the benchmark for thoughtful, authentic luxury – deeply connected to each location. Having launched six hotels in just eighteen months, the immediate focus is on ensuring our current portfolio is firmly established and performing strongly, while also cementing Miiro’s position as a serious and credible player within the industry. From there, the goal is to continue expanding the portfolio in a considered way – consistently delivering memorable experiences, inspiring guests and defining what a culturally aware, contemporary hospitality brand can be.
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