Robert Girvan
Congress Centre Director
Robert began his career in the conference and banqueting department of a prestigious private members’ club in St James’s, London, for eight years, during which he studied for an Institute of Hospitality Certificate and Diploma at Lewisham and Westminster College. He then moved on to take up positions within four star hotels in Knightsbridge and Gloucester Road. Robert joined Congress Centre in 2001 as General Manager and was promoted to Congress Centre Director in 2006.
Paul Jones
General Manager
Paul joined Congress Centre as General Manager in 2006. Before that, he held several key roles including Audio Visual Production Manager at Claridge’s and The Berkeley Hotel and Chef Manager at The Empire State Building in New York City. Paul holds a Professional Chef’s Diploma and has an HND in Hotel Management.
Ruby Chagger
Conference & Sales Manager
Ruby joined Congress Centre in 1999 as Conference & Sales Co-ordinator and was promoted to Conference & Sales Manager in 2000. Ruby knows everything there is to know about Congress Centre and is proud of its first-class facilities. Before joining the venue, Ruby worked for Hayley Conference Centres. She has a degree in Hotel Management from Sheffield Hallam University.
Nadia Scott
Senior Conference & Sales Co-ordinator
Nadia joined the Congress Centre team in 2008 as Senior Conference & Sales Co-ordinator. She enjoys the organisation involved in planning and staging complex client events. Since joining the venue, Nadia has hosted a wide range of events from large conferences, exhibitions, seminars and training events to exclusive private events and product launches.
Claire Lillis
Conference & Sales Co-ordinator
Claire joined the Congress Centre team as Conference & Sales Co-ordinator in 2006. She enjoys working on a wide variety of events for different clients and thrives on helping event organisers to plan the most appropriate event for their particular circumstances. Claire has boundless energy and does everything possible to ensure her clients’ events are a great success.
Elena Ortiz Gil
Conference & Sales Co-ordinator
Elena joined the Congress Centre team as a Conference & Sales Co-ordinator in 2019. She previously worked in a marketing and events position at the Catalan Football Association before moving to London. Before joining Congress Centre, Elena worked at Regent’s University London as an Events Co-ordinator.
Ian Gifford
Events Manager
Ian initially trained as a Chef and began his career working in the kitchens at Simpson’s- in-the-Strand and The Savoy Hotel. In 2001, he joined Congress Centre and has been a highly efficient Events Manager at the venue ever since.
Kathleen Martin
Events Manager
Kathleen Martin has been an Events Manager at Congress Centre since June 2001. She is responsible for a team of four, overseeing external and internal events at the venue, from formal dinners and exhibitions to lunch meetings and cocktail parties. Kathleen has worked in the catering industry since 1987.
Damon Shorland
Head Chef
Damon has been Head Chef at Congress Centre since 2010. He originally trained at Torquay Technical College, gaining City and Guilds qualifications in Professional Cookery (Kitchen and Larder). He now thrives on preparing food for a wide variety of events at Congress Centre, developing innovative bespoke and themed menus for clients.