Darren Housham

Dynamic senior sales professional with extensive experience across airline, airport lounge, hospitality and travel sectors. Proven ability to secure high-value partnerships with global and regional airlines, negotiate commercial contracts, expand distribution channels, and drive B2B revenue across corporate, agency, OTA, TMC and tour operator markets. Skilled in building long-term relationships with airline commercial teams, developing ancillary revenue strategies, and delivering profitable passenger experience solutions.

Experienced working within highly regulated, fast-paced aviation environments with strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management.

UK Sales Manager – Heathrow, Gatwick & Edinburgh at Plaza Premium Group UK Ltd (2020-02 – Present)

• Lead B2B sales strategy targeting airlines, TMCs, OTAs, banks, travel agents and DMCs.
• Contracted 28 new airlines (2023–2024), growing lounge partnerships for economy passengers and enhancing airline ancillary revenue options.
• Expanded the group travel segment by 80%, driving incremental lounge revenue.
• Secured multiple national OTA contracts, increasing UK-wide lounge distribution and visibility.
• Part of the pre-opening teams for new lounges at London Gatwick and Edinburgh, supporting commercial launch and sales activity.
• Track and analyse market trends to adapt commercial strategies and maximise profitability across lounge and partner channels.

Landscaping & Gardening Lead at TD Gardens – Practical Solutions (2018-05 – 2020-01)

• Managed operational delivery across commercial and private clients.
• Developed specialist pruning techniques and landscaping installation skills.
• Operated machinery, managed workflows and maintained high service standards.

Meetings & Events Account Director – Corporate & Agency Portfolio at The Grove, The Runnymede on Thames & The Athenaeum Hotel (2016-09 – 2018-04)

• Targeted and developed new business across MICE, corporate meetings, events and golf sectors for a portfolio of luxury hotels and apartments.
• Secured repeat business and prevented the loss of a major account: LEK Consulting (£350K) for 2018.
• Contracted Revlon as a new account into The Athenaeum: 200 room nights at £258 + VAT.
• Promoted to lead the Agency Portfolio, developing business from UK MICE and agency sectors.
• Created agent incentives such as The Great Agent Easter Challenge 2017 and The Great Agent Christmas Challenge 2017, generating and converting £453K from MICE agents in one quarter (June–September 2017).

Group/MICE Sales Specialist at DoubleTree by Hilton Westminster & DoubleTree by Hilton – Tower of London (2014-04 – 2016-09)

• Managed UK 3rd party agency accounts in conjunction with the MICE Sales Manager.
• Managed UK DMC market, overseas 3rd party agents and meeting planners.
• Created and implemented a sales & marketing plan for the MICE market including trade shows, advertising and sales blitz activity.
• Assisted in developing pricing strategy in line with demand, availability and key conference and group dates.
• Developed tactical promotions for groups and meetings to penetrate and retain key clients.
• Produced regular reporting to owners on hotel performance in MICE and group sectors.
• Worked with Hilton Worldwide to promote the hotels across their global client base.
• Achieved all sales targets for Q3, Q4 2015 and Q1, Q2 2016.
• Awarded London Sales Manager – Quarter 1, 2016.

UK Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt (2012-04 – 2014-04)

• Managed and developed new corporate accounts including Hiscox, Albourne Partners, Observatory Capital Management, Johnson Matthey and Standard & Poor's.
• Achieved 30% growth in UK market business within 6 months.
• Contracted over €750,000 of business on the books for 2013.
• Developed the Russian market through fam trips and sales calls in Moscow.
• Attended key trade shows including Confex, IMEX, London Launch and The Venue Show.
• Achieved first-quarter group rooms and conference budget and built strong relationships with on-property teams.

MICE Sales Manager at Novotel London West (2008-08 – 2012-04)

• Successfully developed and managed 40 key accounts in the MICE and corporate market.
• Developed action plans for the achievement of groups and meetings revenue targets.
• Responsible for short and medium-term pricing strategy to maximise rooms, C&I, food and beverage revenue.
• Secured the hotel's largest booking to date, valued at £550K for 2010.
• Achieved budget in 2009 with a 5% year-on-year revenue increase.
• Generated new domestic and international sales through proactive activity and trade show attendance (Confex, IMEX, EIBTM).
• Managed 2 Sales Executives, setting objectives and development plans.
• Planned and executed marketing-driven initiatives to generate additional revenue.

Sales Director – Meetings & Events at Guoman Hotel Group (2007-04 – 2008-08)

Sales Manager – Conference & Events / UK Sales Manager at Rezidor Hotels (2006-05 – 2007-04)

Park Inn Heathrow & Radisson SAS Frankfurt

Account Manager – Conference Sales / Event Sales Manager at Sheraton Skyline Hotel & Conference Centre & Starwood Hotels & Resorts (2001-01 – 2006-12)

Conventions Operations Manager / Groups & Conventions Executive at Landmark Hotel (1996-01 – 2001-12)