Mirko Castagna

Experienced Executive & Private Support professional with over 12 years' experience delivering seamless support to senior leaders in fast-paced international environments. Skilled in complex travel coordination, diary management, confidential communications, event planning and managing competing priorities across multiple time zones. Recognised for anticipating needs, remaining calm under pressure and building trusted relationships through exceptional organisation and discretion.

Personal Assistant at Houlihan Lokey (2024-12 – Present)

Provide dedicated business and personal support to two Managing Directors within the Financial Sponsors team, anticipating their needs and ensuring priorities are managed efficiently.

• Supporting a Managing Director during his promotion by successfully managing increased client activity, business development commitments and executive priorities throughout a key period of transition
• Coordinate complex diaries, scheduling an average of 10–15 meetings each week, proactively identifying scheduling conflicts, balancing changing priorities and ensuring efficient use of executive time
• Arrange international travel, accommodation, ground transportation and detailed itineraries, ensuring seamless business travel and logistics
• Plan and deliver bespoke client hospitality experiences for 6–26 attendees, managing end-to-end logistics, coordinating invitations, event campaigns, RSVPs, venues, suppliers, catering, invoices and on-the-day delivery
• Liaise with Marketing, Legal and Compliance to ensure all communications, documentation and attendee registrations are completed accurately
• Maintain accurate client information across Salesforce, LinkedIn and internal client trackers, updating contact records, preparing client biographies and monitoring client interactions to support business development and relationship management
• Process expenses, reconcile bank statements, investigate discrepancies and ensure accurate financial records and compliance

Personal Assistant at HSBC (2020-02 – 2024-12)

Provided executive support to the Global Head, Managing Director, Directors and the wider Financial Sponsors team. During a five-month team vacancy, supported up to five senior stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of service.

• Managed high-volume executive diaries, coordinating multiple meetings each day, resolving scheduling conflicts and ensuring executives remained on schedule
• Coordinate complex international travel across multiple destinations, producing detailed itineraries and contingency plans while responding proactively to changing executive priorities
• Acted as the main point of contact between senior stakeholders, assistants and internal teams, ensuring effective communication and smooth day-to-day operations
• Onboarded new joiners by arranging building passes, IT equipment, desk allocation, lockers, company policies and office procedures
• Managed business administration, including expenses, IT and facilities requests, visa applications and compliance processes
• Developed a meeting tracker and follow-up log, and served on the UK Assistant Network, organizing networking and learning events for assistants across the business
• Supported the London LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), helping organize employee engagement and inclusion events

Executive Receptionist at HSBC (2016-10 – 2020-02)

• Managed front-of-house operations on HSBC's executive floor, delivering a professional experience for senior executives, clients and VIP visitors
• Coordinated meeting rooms, visitor access and security procedures, ensuring meetings and executive visits ran smoothly
• Represented HSBC during high-profile client meetings and events, and delivered tours of the headquarters to clients and visitors
• Trained new team members, promoting consistent service standards and operational excellence
• Recognised with multiple internal awards for service excellence, teamwork and outstanding customer service

Reception Supervisor at DoubleTree Hilton, Canada Water (2013-10 – 2025-01)

Progressed from Night Auditor to Receptionist and then Reception Supervisor within three years, before continuing in the role on a part-time basis alongside my banking career.

• Supervised and developed a team of 10 receptionists, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in a busy 386-room hotel
• Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving guest issues and managing complex situations, including overbookings and emergency scenarios
• Trained, coached and motivated team members to maintain high service standards and contribute to a positive guest experience
• Increased monthly revenue by 10–15% through upselling initiatives and service improvements

Tour Coordinator (Freelance) at WeRoad (2025-01 – Present)

Manage end-to-end international travel logistics for group tours, coordinating suppliers, budgets, transport and customer experience while responding quickly to changing circumstances and operational challenges.

• Maintain an average tour rating of 9.89/10

Italian Tutor at Preply (2022-01 – Present)

Deliver tailored learning programmes to learn Italian

Volunteer at Various

• Children's reading program (Bookmark)
• Youth mentoring (The Kids Network)
• Teaching Assistant for children's class in performing arts (Anna Fiorentini Foundation)

MSc in International Relations – University of East London

BA in Cultural & Linguistic Mediation – University of Insubria