Staff Spotlight: Nigel Dean

We kick start our staff spotlight series with the Director of Roffey Park Services, Nigel Dean.

Nigel was born in Sussex, as he puts it, far too long ago and began his career as a student training in hotel management at Chichester College and then with the Concord Hotel group. Fast forward some years and Nigel returned to Sussex, now married with three grown up sons.

Being from Sussex it was only right that Nigel found himself following Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Nigel resolutely stuck with his team from the depths of despair to competing in the Premier League, the pinnacle of English football.

In addition to being an avid sports fan, Nigel also loves the active lifestyle himself. He named cycling, golf and skiing as few of the many sports he enjoys taking part in, as well as being a licenced FA football coach. It is safe to say that Nigel enjoys his free time nearly as much as his work!

After graduating college and management training, Nigel found an opportunity in London as part of the management team that founded the now famous Groucho club in Soho that has seen the likes of Kate Moss, Bono and Princess Diana come through the doors.

The next 20 years saw Nigel running a chain of wine bars and restaurants in the City of London serving an excitable mix of stockbrokers, financiers, and insurance clientele. Nigel became a member of The Champagne Academy after attending the fondly named “Champagne University” in Rheims, France, also gaining a diploma in wine appreciation.

Nigel has now been at Roffey Park Institute for 11 years building up the commercial and services side of the organisation. As well as hosting Roffey Park Institute programs this includes running training events for other training providers, conferences, meetings and hosting special events such as weddings and private social events.

Nigel is passionate about developing individuals to become the best that they can be. In his role, he has developed a keen interest in clear leadership and keeping strategic management as simple and grounded as possible. Nigel believes in the importance of team cohesion so that everyone can understand the direction of travel and enjoy being on the journey.

When asked about his current role, Nigel said – “Management is a simple discipline, until you do not know what you are doing, then it’s not very easy at all”. He went on to explain that “looking after people, giving them what they want and serving lovely food and drinks is a pleasure never a chore!”

Nigel enjoys fine wine, cheap wine, great food, simple food, real ale and the company of good friends. Nigel’s ethos is to not take things too seriously and this can be seen in his fun-loving and friendly approach to work and life. It is this human element that really encapsulates the Roffey Park feel and with Nigel at the helm, it is easy to see why.

“Life is what you make it, with the right flexible attitude, a bit of effort and a good dollop of luck anyone can achieve almost anything they want to.” – Nigel Dean

Categorised in: Company News