FOLLOWING a remarkable 42-year career in the hospitality sector, Vince Johnson, General Manager of Redworth Hall Hotel has announced his retirement.

Entering the hospitality industry at the age of 17, Vince began his career in a trainee waiter role at a famous venue, The Old Ship Hotel, in his hometown of Brighton, where he discovered his passion for the industry. After just two years in the role, Vince set his sights on management, carrying out stints in Guernsey, Carmarthen, Bristol, St Ives, Harrogate, and Southampton before eventually joining the group as Redworth Hall’s General Manager in May 2001.

In 2004, Vince joined the Majestic Hotel, now DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel in Harrogate, another of Cairn Group’s hotels, before returning to Redworth Hall in 2015, where he’s served as General Manager since.

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Reflecting on his 23 years of service with Cairn Hotel Group, Vince attributes much of his success to surrounding himself with strong teams and leading with an engaged, hands-on approach:

“As a general manager, you own the business, and leading from the front whilst understanding what makes your team tick is key to building a thriving hotel environment.”

Whilst it’s bittersweet to leave, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had

Speaking on his departure, he said: “Walking into that interview at 17 for a trainee waiter job was the best thing that ever happened to me. Redworth Hall has been a huge part of my life for over two decades, and it’s been a pleasure to see the hotel evolve and grow over the years.

“Whilst it’s bittersweet to leave, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve worked with over the years. It’s been a hugely rewarding career and I feel very fortunate.”

As Vince steps into retirement in October, he looks forward to filling his time with golf, gardening, and plenty of travel.

"People ask me what my plans are for retirement, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll be at a loose end. I’ll be joining a health club, taking golf lessons, and tackling some long overdue house and garden projects.”