Few executives in a service-oriented but operationally demanding company can combine strategic vision with real human touch as Parik Zala. In his role as Cluster General Manager at Clermont Hotel Group, Mr Zala is subtly revolutionising hospitality leadership by elevating performance, people, and purpose. Throughout the course of his more than 15-year leadership experience, he has developed intentionally via curiosity, resiliency, and a strong desire to make a difference.
Mr Zala’s management approach is unconventional. He is leading from the ground up, influenced by practical expertise in all facets of hotel operations, rather than from behind a desk. He can negotiate both opportunities and crises with a rare clarity because of his operational empathy. Whether managing multimillion-pound renovations or opening a 175-room hotel that received B Corp certification, he is a constant example of how creativity and practicality can and ought to coexist.
His steadfast commitment to people-first leadership, however, is what really makes him stand out. He is renowned for cultivating inclusive teams and coaching talent from marginalised populations, promoting environments where people feel appreciated, empowered, and seen. His philosophy that “leadership is about lifting others” is permitting in every project he undertakes, from strategy ESG integration to daily team engagement.
Parik Zala is changing the way leadership is applied in the hotel industry, not just managing properties. He is creating a legacy characterised by trust, change, and lasting influence with a composed assurance and an unwavering desire to leave things better than he found them.
Early Foundations: Building Character Through Curiosity
Born with what he describes as “a passion for people and service,” Mr Parik Zala’s journey into hospitality wasn’t merely a career choice it was a calling. His formative years were marked by an insatiable curiosity and a work ethic that would later become the cornerstone of his professional philosophy. The decision to pursue a BBA in International Hotel & Tourism Management from the prestigious Schiller International University, spanning campuses in London and Switzerland, reflected not just academic ambition but a desire to understand hospitality from a global perspective.
His early years were shaped by a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a desire to create memorable guest experiences foundations that have remained unchanged despite the complexities of modern hotel management. His international exposure during university instilled in him a cultural sensitivity and global outlook, which have proven invaluable in managing diverse teams and catering to an international clientele.
The Professional Ascent: From Operations to Strategic Leadership
Over the past 15 years, Mr Parik Zala’s career trajectory reads like a masterclass in progressive leadership development. Starting from operational roles, he methodically built expertise across every facet of hospitality management, understanding that genuine leadership requires intimate knowledge of ground-level operations. His evolution from hands-on management to strategic oversight demonstrates a rare ability to maintain operational awareness while developing big-picture thinking.
Currently overseeing three properties under the Clermont Hotels Group umbrella, he has established himself as a leader who thrives in environments where innovation meets execution. His approach is refreshingly holistic viewing hospitality not merely as a business of rooms and revenue, but as an industry built on impact, inclusion, and inspiration.
The numbers speak volumes about his effectiveness: he has successfully led multimillion-pound transformations, including a notable £240,000 refurbishment project that significantly boosted revenue performance. Perhaps more impressively, he launched a 175-bedroom hometel that achieved B Corp certification, demonstrating his commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices—a forward-thinking approach that positions his properties ahead of industry trends.
Crisis Leadership: Navigating the Pandemic Storm
The true test of leadership often emerges during crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic provided exactly such a crucible. As a Multi-site GM at Whitbread during the pandemic’s height, Parik Zala faced unprecedented challenges that threatened the very foundation of the hospitality industry. His response exemplified the kind of adaptive leadership that distinguishes exceptional managers from merely competent ones.
Rather than simply implementing defensive strategies, he demonstrated remarkable emotional intelligence and community awareness. In a gesture that captured widespread attention, his team decided to illuminate their building with daily messages of support for NHS workers and social services, transforming their property into a beacon of positivity during dark times. This initiative, which earned BBC coverage, illustrated his understanding that businesses have responsibilities that extend beyond their immediate stakeholders.
“The pandemic taught me the value of adaptability, empathy, and strategic foresight. It reinforced the importance of leading with clarity and compassion.” he explains. This crisis leadership approach combining practical operational adjustments with inspirational community engagement revealed his capacity to find opportunity within adversity.
The Philosophy of People-First Leadership
What sets Parik Zala apart in an industry often criticised for high turnover and burnout is his unwavering commitment to people-first leadership. His management philosophy centers on the belief that exceptional guest experiences can only emerge from engaged, empowered teams. This conviction drives his focus on developing talent, fostering inclusive cultures, and creating environments where individuals feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued.
“Leadership is about lifting others.” he states simply, yet this principle permeates every aspect of his management approach. His commitment extends beyond his immediate teams through active mentoring relationships with individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, partnering with organisations like Springboard and Novus to create pathways for diverse talent in hospitality.
This people-centric approach has yielded tangible results. His properties are consistently achieving high levels of team engagement and guest satisfaction, metrics that directly correlate with commercial performance. The recognition as “Best Hotel GM of the Year” validates not just his business acumen but his ability to inspire peak performance across his organisations.
Balancing Ambition with Authenticity
In an industry notorious for demanding schedules and high-pressure environments, Parik Zala has developed a sophisticated approach to work-life integration. As a father of three children and owner of two dogs, he understands first-hand the challenges of maintaining balance while pursuing professional excellence. His strategy combines intentional time management with strategic delegation, creating space for personal recharge while building stronger, more autonomous teams.
“Balance is not about perfection, it’s about presence.” he explains. This philosophy manifests in his commitment to being fully present in each role he plays, whether as a strategic leader, mentor, or family member. He maintains this balance through physical activities like boxing and running, regular self-assessment practices, and by modelling healthy work-life integration for his teams.
Continuous Evolution: The Learning Leader
Mr Parik Zala’s commitment to continuous learning exemplifies the growth mindset essential for modern leadership. His recent doctorate from Washington University in Hospitality, following his Level 7 CMI qualification in Strategic Leadership & Management, demonstrates his dedication to formal learning alongside practical experience. He also invested his time at Disney Institute at Florida learning all about Quality guest service and how to impact every guest stay. However, his educational approach extends beyond credentials to include voracious reading, active mentoring relationships, and engagement with industry thought leaders.
This commitment to growth includes honest self-assessment of areas for development. He candidly acknowledges that his drive for perfection once led to over-involvement in operational details, and his journey toward more effective delegation illustrates the kind of self-awareness that enables continuous improvement. Similarly, his recognition that building broader industry relationships remains an area for development shows the humility that characterizes authentic leadership.
Innovation Through ESG Integration
Mr Parik Zala’s forward-thinking approach extends to his championing of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within hospitality operations. His success in achieving B Corp certification for the hometel project positions him at the forefront of sustainable hospitality practices. This commitment reflects his understanding that modern businesses must balance commercial success with environmental responsibility and social impact.
His approach to sustainability and diversity initiatives earned him BBC recognition for corporate social responsibility, highlighting work that creates “spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.” This recognition underscores his belief that hospitality’s future depends on embracing both environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
A Vision for Industry Transformation
Looking beyond immediate operational concerns, Mr Parik Zala envisions a hospitality industry transformed by authentic leadership, adaptability, and inclusion. He advocates for leaders who can balance data with empathy, ambition with purpose, creating environments where individuals can become their best selves.
His advice to aspiring leaders reflects this vision: “Lead with purpose, not just position. True leadership is about service empowering others, making tough decisions with integrity, and staying grounded in your values.” This counsel, drawn from hard-won experience, emphasizes that impactful leadership requires courage to think differently and act boldly.
The Legacy Imperative
At the heart of Mr Parik Zala’s professional drive lies a simple but powerful motivation: leaving things better than he found them. This legacy imperative influences every decision, from daily operational choices to long-term strategic planning. His commitment to creating meaningful impact commercially and culturally reflects a mature understanding of leadership responsibility.
“Success is not defined by titles or targets it’s defined by impact.” he emphasizes. This perspective transforms routine hospitality management into a mission of positive influence, whether through exceptional guest experiences, team development, or community engagement.
Conclusion: The Future of Hospitality Leadership
As the hospitality industry continues evolving in response to changing guest expectations, technological advancement, and social consciousness, leaders like Parik Zala are representing the sector’s brightest potential. His combination of operational excellence, strategic vision, and authentic people leadership provides a blueprint for sustainable success in an increasingly complex business environment.
His journey from curious student to award-winning leader is an illustration that exceptional hospitality management requires more than technical competence, demands emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. As he continues shaping London’s hospitality landscape through his role at Clermont Hotels Group, Mr Parik Zala embodies the evolution of industry leadership from transactional management to transformational impact.
In a field where success is often measured in immediate metrics, Parik Zala’s approach is offering a different paradigm: sustainable excellence built on authentic relationships, continuous learning, and purpose-driven leadership. His story is serving as both inspiration and instruction for current and future hospitality professionals seeking to create meaningful change in their organisations and communities.
