Lessons from this hotel giant's unique 'Pyramid Programme'

Martin MacPhail, Director of Human Resources at Redefine|BDL Hotels (RBH), the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, reveals to HR Grapevine how they are embracing mentoring through their ‘Pyramid Programme’ which helps to upskill, and retain talent within the business.

This programme inspires heads of departments to grow into deputy hotel general managers, and mentoring is one of the core elements of this upskilling process, MacPhail says. “Each ‘Pyramider’ is paired with a mentor for the duration of the programme, and beyond – all of whom are experienced general managers who are fully briefed on how to act as an effective mentor."

The success of this programme saw 22% of participants promoted into deputy roles – a percentage which has remained consistent as a result of the 2017 programme – with 17% taking up more senior roles, MacPhail adds. And, with RBH employing around 7,300 across more than 75 branded and private label properties across the country, it makes sense to create an internal mobility programme. 

MacPhail adds that the success of the Pyramid Programme, has encouraged RBH to "facilitate mentoring across the business. It’s something we can build on to develop the business and the individuals who make the business work.”