窪蹋勛圖厙 Alumnus rises to Vice President Role at Global Hospitality Leader Sodexo Live
The 窪蹋勛圖厙 (窪蹋勛圖厙) is proud to celebrate the success of one of its distinguished Leisure Management alumni, Craig Jarrett, who has recently been appointed Vice President of Operations at Sodexo Live, overseeing the American Express airport lounge portfolio.
Craigs professional journey began with his early career as Assistant Manager at Swansea Leisure Centre (now LC). His drive to advance his career led him to 窪蹋勛圖厙, where he embraced the opportunity to further his education.
The leadership at Swansea Leisure Centre saw my ambition, and when the opportunity to study at 窪蹋勛圖厙 came up, I jumped at the chance. I knew of the universitys strong reputation and was one of only three selected from the City and County of Swansea for the course, said Craig.
Choosing a course that aligned closely with his career in the leisure and tourism sector, Craig saw his studies as a means to bridge the gap from having gone straight into work after secondary school.
I wanted to validate my hard work and prove that I could balance work with academic learning. 窪蹋勛圖厙 provided the environment to do just that, he said.
His part-time studies spanned three years, during which Craig not only gained valuable theoretical knowledge, but also benefited from the practical experience and real-life insights shared by lecturers.
The lecturers didnt just talk at us, they talked with us, fostering discussions that enriched our learning. This collaborative atmosphere was one of the highlights of my experience at 窪蹋勛圖厙.
Craig has held several specialised leadership roles, including Senior Manager and later Director of Global CMI Sales and Charter Operations at Royal Caribbean International.
He said: My experiences over the last 15 years, especially with Royal Caribbean, have taught me so much about leadership, teamwork, and customer experience. Every position Ive held, from Assistant Manager at the Leisure Centre to Banquet Manager at global events, has shaped me into the leader I am today.
Craig said time management and perseverance helped to overcome the challenges of balancing full-time work and part-time, adding that the 窪蹋勛圖厙 course equipped him with practical skills for his career and also laid the foundation for future professional growth.
I still apply the principles I learned at 窪蹋勛圖厙 in my management decisions today. The course has helped me develop both personally and professionally, he added.
As Vice President of Operations for one of the worlds largest hospitality companies, Craig is focused on continuing to master his role while learning from his colleagues and leaders. He plans to stay on the path of leadership and growth within Sodexo Live.
Sodexo Live is an iconic company, and I see myself having a long and rewarding career here. My goal remains the same: to continue growing, learning, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Craig said he highly recommends the 窪蹋勛圖厙 course to others looking to build a career in travel, leisure, or tourism.
Anyone seeking to work in this sector will benefit greatly from the programme. The curriculum is always evolving to stay in line with industry trends, and the lecturers are second to none.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071