Robin Hutson
Robin Hutson (born 1957) is a British hotelier, listed by "The Caterer" in 2019 as the UK's second most powerful hotelier. Early life. At the age of 14, his parents decided that he should attend a grammar school in Surrey, rather than London. He did not do well at school and left without attending sixth form. He went on to study hotel and catering operations at Brooklands College in Weybridge, earning an OND. Career. Hutson started his career as a management trainee with The Savoy Hotel Company, starting at Claridge's, as a waiter and then The  Berkeley. He then moved to the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, and after a spell at Elbow Beach in Bermuda was appointed general manager of Chewton Glen at 28 years old. In 1994, Hutson co-founded the Hotel du Vin chain with Gerard Basset. In 2004, they sold the company for £66 million. He was chairman of the Soho House Group until 2009. Since 2009, Hutson has worked closely with chemicals billionaire Jim Ratcliffe on several projects, and Ratcliffe spent £40 million on the Lime Wood hotel in Hampshire, which Hutson runs. They met because their children were  at school together. Home Grown Hotels is an equal shares partnership between Hutson, his management team and Ratcliffe. Hutson is CEO and chairman of Lime Wood Group and of Home Grown Hotels The winner of numerous industry awards including Hotelier of the Year 2003, two industry Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2016 and 2020. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business from Solent University. He is on the Board of Governors for The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and an active supporter of Action Against Hunger. he is also a regular contributor to The Caterer magazine and campaigner for greater  representation in Government for the hospitality sector. Hutson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to the hospitality industry and philanthropy. Personal life. Hutson is married to Judy, a former occupational therapist, they have two sons, and live in Winchester, Hampshire. He enjoys fishing, wine and has completed many cross-continental motorcycle trips.