Simon Thomas | Vice President
The Society of the Golden Keys

Simon Thomas
Head Concierge, The Lanesborough Simon Thomas, Head Concierge at The Lanesborough, has built a career that places him among the most recognised concierges in the world. He is currently Vice President of the Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, and previously served as International President of Les Clefs d’Or. He was also the first Briton in over three decades to be elected to the Union’s Executive Board, following the 63rd International Congress in Berlin. Simon earned his Golden Keys in 1992, becoming the youngest member of the organisation at the time. Born in Wrexham, North Wales, Simon moved to London in 1986 and began his career as a pageboy at Grosvenor House Hotel. It was here he discovered a lifelong passion for hospitality. He went on to join The Sheraton Park Tower, and at just 25 became London’s youngest Head Concierge when he took up the position at the Royal Garden Hotel. His career then led him to the Renaissance Chancery Court and Brown’s Hotel before he joined The Lanesborough in 2014 during its celebrated reopening. At The Lanesborough, Simon leads a team of more than 30, including chauffeurs, porters and doormen, ensuring the highest levels of guest service. Known for his knowledge of London and his hands-on leadership style, Simon is regarded as one of the capital’s most trusted and influential concierges. Simon was the first concierge to be awarded The Master Innholder’s scholarship to Cranfield University School of Management, graduating as a St. Julian Scholar. He is regularly invited to speak on service excellence and has delivered training programmes for companies such as LVMH and Watches of Switzerland. Passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation, Simon founded a concierge mentoring scheme in partnership with American Express. He is also an Ambassador for Springboard, supporting career opportunities in hospitality, and works with the Bromley Education Business Partnership to encourage young people into the industry. Simon lives in Bromley, Kent, with his wife Amanda and daughter Jenifer.