HSMAI Region Europe Profile: Suzie Thompson
Suzie Thompson
Vice President of Marketing
Red Carnation Hotels
Suzie Thompson is a valued member of HSMAI Region Europe’s Digital Marketing Advisory Board.
Q: What does a day at work consist of for you?
A: I am lucky to have a role that oversees both technical and creative projects, I can be directing a brand film in South Africa one week and overseeing the Sitecore CMS development plan the next. I enjoy leading a team of talented digital marketers in London as well as engaging with the hotel teams in each of our fabulous hotel locations.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: I enjoy exploring new ideas, taking a few (calculated) risks and ultimately looking for ways to give Red Carnation Hotels the competitive advantage. I love to learn and I love to share knowledge, my role is to make digital marketing easy for everyone to understand and be a part of within Red Carnation Hotels.
Q: Do you have anyone you’ve looked up to?
A: I have been inspired by many people in the industry over the years. The people I respect the most are those that are successful whilst having the confidence to be themselves.
Q: Do you have any nice traditions at your office?
A: At Red Carnation Hotels we hold a huge party every year at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for over 1000 employees, there is an awards ceremony recognising the stand out employees across the collection, followed by an amazing band and lots of dancing!
Q: How long have you been a member of HSMAI?
A: Since 2013 when I was named as one of the Top 20 Extraordinary Minds.
Q: What do you think is the best thing about HSMAI?
A: For me it’s the European collaboration, I enjoy being part of the Digital Marketing Advisory Board with industry colleagues that are based outside of the UK as it helps build my knowledge and network in the wider sales and marketing community.
Q: Are there any activities or projects you think HSMAI should start up?
A: I am always keen to hear more from other industry leaders outside of travel – what keeps their CMO’s up at night?
Q: Describe your perfect weekend.
A: Skiing.
Q: If you were trapped on a desert island, what would you take with you, if you could choose one thing?
A: A book about how to survive on a desert island with nothing but a book.
Q: What is the title of the book about your life?
A: 5 foot nothing.
Q: What is your next travel destination?
A: Honestly … Guernsey! But next on my bucket list is … India!
Q: Do you have any special hobbies?
A: I love skiing and was the original ‘Chalet Girl’ when I first did a ski season in 1997! I am very excited for my daughter Florence to start skiing, although she is only 14 months old so we have a couple more years to wait.
Q: Thank you for your time. Do you have any personal comments?
A: Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.
