Richard Benson

I’m a hotel and accommodation management professional with 13+ years’ experience improving operational performance across hospitality and facility-focused environments. I’m known for enhancing revenue, customer satisfaction, and staff retention through disciplined KPI monitoring, cost control, and procedure-driven service excellence.

As General Manager at Forest Hotel (Dovdowa, Ghana), I’ve steered daily operations to keep every department functioning seamlessly to standards. I improved revenue by 24% through innovative marketing and smart pricing, increased occupancy by 15%, reduced costs by 18%, and cut complaints by 61%—while delivering strong guest satisfaction and service quality.

Previously, as Accommodation Manager at Unite Students (UK), I directed operations of 6 student accommodation sites supporting 965+ university students, balancing safety, well-being, and profitability. I negotiated with local vendors to cut costs by 17.5%, increased revenue by 19%, raised occupancy by 21%, achieved 98% retention through training and development, and improved outcomes like contract renewals rising 23.5% and incidents/accidents among staff and residents reducing by 60%.

Earlier, as Operations Manager at Clayton Hotel (UK), I strengthened performance across departments—reducing complaints by 56%, boosting occupancy by 42%, driving a 21% revenue rise, and sustaining a 94% retention rate through recruitment, training, and operational discipline. I also focus on creating a positive customer experience that drives repeat business and strong reviews, and I’m proud the hotel was recognized among 48 locations and I was voted Manager of the Year (2016/2017).