Mark Spanton - General Manager, Dakota Newcastle
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Originally, I wanted to be a football coach – I studied Sports Development with Coaching at University. During the summers, I’d work full time at Cranage Hall, and fell in love with hospitality – never looked back.
Tell us about your current role.
My role is General Manager of Dakota Newcastle, having previously been General Manager of Dakota Leeds, and Deputy General Manager in Dakota Manchester. What’s different – and exciting! – about my role in Newcastle is I’m overseeing the opening of the hotel from start to finish.
I’m incredibly hands-on with a much wider facet of Dakota than previous positions: architects, interior designers, site managers. It’s been eye-opening, as I’m not just a hotelier for this property – I’m dealing with different stakeholders and managing people across a broad range of industries related to the build and design.
What is your proudest business achievement?
I have recently been awarded a prestigious Master innholders scholarship – granted by The Worshipful Company of Innholders, the Lord Forte Foundation, the Master Innholders Charitable Trust and the Savoy Educational Trust. I’m incredibly proud to have been granted such an incredible opportunity; I travel to Ithica in June 2025 take part in the General Managers Programme at Cornell University.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Covid, and the resulting cost of living crisis, has had a massive impact. From a team side – it’s made me focus even more on ensuring my team are motivated and supported; I try and create an environment they can thrive in.
From a guest perspective, I’m even more determined to make every stay as special as possible. My hotel and team should help make memories, creating moments of theatre. When guests travel now – especially within the luxury hotel space – they deserve an exceptional offering and superb service.
What are you currently working on?
Opening the hotel!
My main priority ahead of opening is fostering great relationships with the team, and seeing where I can help them develop, or offer support. 12 team members have moved to Newcastle from our other hotels, so I’m dedicated to making them feel valued.
Tell us about the team you work with.
It’s a fantastic team and I’m proud to be leading them. It feels like we’ve all been working together for ages – there’s a real togetherness amongst the group.
I’ve got a superb core team that really understand Dakota’s values and ethos – we’ve also got some great newcomers that are already proving to be invaluable. I’ve got incredibly strong team members across every department and an outstanding support system in Cameron Chritchley (Hotel Manager) and Chris Turner (Operations Manager).
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
I like how our Managing Director, Andrew Ovenstone, operates – he’s focussed on generosity, service, going above and beyond. ‘Kill people with kindness’: build strong relationships, and create a feeling of loyalty amongst guests.
Take ownership: if something’s not right, I’ll hold my hands up!
What has been your biggest challenge?
Whilst it’s been fairly smooth sailing opening Dakota Newcastle, it’s been a new experience for me – I’ve not opened a property before in my career. You have to be incredibly flexible, as such a large project will be agile and fluid with dates, progress, updates; there’s then a ripple effect on the team and wider business. There’s lots of moving parts!
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Dakota founder Ken McCulloch, absolutely. Ken had old-school hospitality values and was known for being generous with guests.
Outside of the business, I was very close to my Granddad, who sadly passed away at 98 last year. He used to joke ‘Mark works at the Savoy!’, as I worked in luxury hospitality – I’m committed to making my family proud.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Being a Dad. I have two young children, so the minute I walk through the door I’ve put on a different hat!
Running and exercising; I completed a half marathon in 2024, and I’d love to take part in the Great North Run, now I’m based in the North East. I’m also doing 100 mile walk for MIND in August, called the Cheshire Ring Charity Walk.
Favourite Book and Boxset?
Simon Sinek: Leaders Eat Last Sopranos (or Succession!)
dakotahotels.co.uk
