Peter Avis is a highly respected hospitality leader, customer service consultant and inspirational speaker with over 25 years of experience in the industry. From working closely with Sir Richard Branson during his 15 years at Virgin Group to becoming Business Development Manager at Hilton, Peter has built a career defined by service, leadership and resilience. His story of rising from humble beginnings to award-winning leadership makes him an engaging motivational speaker who inspires audiences to achieve excellence, embrace challenges and lead with empathy.
Peter began his career as a dishwasher before progressing through hard work and dedication to Deputy Restaurant Manager at Equals Restaurant and Bar. By 2001, he was appointed General Manager at Babylon Restaurant at The Roof Gardens, where he transformed customer experiences and earned recognition for outstanding leadership. His achievements there led him to play a key role in launching Virgin Limited Edition Hotels, including Mont Rochelle in South Africa, where he further showcased his expertise in hospitality management and people development.
Throughout his career, Peter has been recognised with numerous awards, including UK Manager of the Year in 2009, the Richard Branson Award for Services to the Community in 2012, and Manager of the Year at the prestigious Catey Awards in 2014. More recently, he was named Top Influencer in the Hospitality Industry in 2022 and received Hilton’s CEO Light and Warmth Award in 2023. Alongside his professional accomplishments, he has been featured in leading publications such as Big Hospitality, GS Magazine and The Caterer, and published his own industry insights in GS Magazine.
As a speaker, Peter draws on his rich experience to inspire audiences with lessons in customer service, leadership and perseverance. He is Vice Chairman of the Institute of Hospitality and has a passion for mentoring others in the industry. Whether delivering keynotes or workshops, Peter connects through his authenticity, relatability and ability to translate hospitality principles into broader lessons about teamwork, resilience and success. His journey from the ground up demonstrates the power of determination and a people-first approach, making him a highly motivating presence on any stage.
