Member Spotlight: Tony Hudson, Director of Sales at Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert
27th April 2025, 1:19 pm
- Introduce yourself
Hello everyone, I’m Tony, proud Yorkshireman and Director of Sales at the Marriott Manchester, Victoria and Albert Hotel. I have been in the wonderful world of hospitality, which I love so much, for 37 years. From the age of 16, straight after leaving school, I studied Hospitality Management at Thomas Danby College in Leeds whilst working part time washing dishes at a local hotel.
From completing my studies, I commenced my career in county house hotels and private fine dining restaurants across North Yorkshire where I started as a Commis Waiter working my way to become Maître D’hôtel.
After 8 years in food and beverage I moved in to Front Office / Reception for 12 years and now way through the ranks becoming Front Office Manager before moving in to Sales almost 18 years ago.
Having experience across these departments, I understand and appreciate the customer journey, expectations of our valued guests and how I can directly impact and curate memorable experiences and make lasting connections.
- Career highlight
Gosh – quite a few from being butler for The Queen at the St Ledger Races to meeting well known celebrities, though I would have to say my proudest career achievement was opening the first AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK where I had the privilege of working closely with both Marriott and founder Antonio Catalan and his family in Madrid delivering 2 hotel openings in Manchester and Birmingham, where I repositioned both hotels and setting them up for continued success.
- Name three words that describe your personality
Dynamic, Charismatic and Hospitable
- What’s the best thing about pro-Manchester
The members. It’s a great community, bringing together like-minded folk across many different sectors and disciplines in Greater Manchester through networking, events and socials. It’s an opportunity to learn and collaborate with others and share knowledge and forge relationships in a pleasant, positive, inclusive and relaxed environment.
- What are your priorities for 2025?
Our priorities for 2025 are to continue championing the Marriott Manchester V&A as both a desirable destination for business and a relaxing retreat for leisure, right in the heart of the newly redeveloped St. John’s neighbourhood. With over £1 billion invested in the area over the past seven years, we are proud to be part of a thriving district that’s fast-becoming Manchester’s most creative and dynamic hub. The recent opening of Aviva Studios – Factory International, the new home of the Manchester International Festival returning in July 2025 – further cements this area’s cultural significance. We are focused on building strong relationships within the wider district and positioning the hotel as a key player in this vibrant and evolving community.
- What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?
Manchester continues to evolve at an impressive pace, with significant investment and development reshaping the city. One of the most exciting is the emergence of new neighbourhoods, each bringing a unique and individual character of fresh opportunities to the local economy and communities.
There’s momentum in key growth sectors of digital and technology, health and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. These industries are attracting talent and innovation as well as repositioning Manchester as a leading UK city for future-focused investment and enterprise. This is a transformative time for the city showcasing the ability to adapt and thrive across many sectors making for an incredibly exciting place to be right now.
- Favourite meeting place in Manchester
Not fussy – anywhere where they serve a good local ale to a good strong cup of Yorkshire Tea – invite me and see where it takes us!
- Are there any types of businesses that you would like to meet
Fortunately in Hospitality I am open to meeting anyone in any sector who’s open to make meaningful, long lasting relations and do great business together.
Get In Touch (optional)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0161 832 1188 / 07876 864374
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