005: Crafting a Career in Hospitality with James McComas 

005: Crafting a Career in Hospitality with James McComas 

The NextGen Hospitality Podcast · 2025-04-15

Welcome to the NextGen Hospitality Podcast with me, Paul Borg. This podcast is designed for ambitious young professionals eager to jumpstart their careers in hospitality and grow into impactful leadership roles.

In this episode, I’m joined by James McComas. James has been General Manager of Champneys Eastwell Manor Hotel and Spa since 2020, leading the team out of the pandemic and through a strategic re-positioning of the property.

His 25-year career in hospitality includes work across multiple continents leading teams of up to 300 deliver experiences across different markets. His extensive experience in Country House and rural hotels is where his passion lies.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and sits on the Nominations Committee, an Innholder Scholar and Vice Chair of Trustees for the Men’s Support Charity ‘Dads Unlimited’.

James shares his journey into the hospitality industry, starting from his early experiences in a hotel at the age of 15, through his university education, and into his current role managing a busy spa hotel. He discusses the importance of character and passion in career development and how he engages and motivates a large team. James also offers valuable advice for aspiring hospitality professionals, emphasising the importance of trying different roles and focusing on personal passions.

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Aimbridge Careers: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/careers/

Connect with James:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmccomas/

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-borg-crowneplaza/

The NextGen Hospitality Podcast

Welcome to The NextGen Hospitality Podcast, a podcast for ambitious young people ready to kickstart a career in hospitality and grow into leadership roles.

This podcast gives you the inside scoop on what it takes to rise to the top, from mastering entry-level roles to becoming a future leader in hotels, restaurants, events, and beyond.

In each episode, we bring in hospitality pros—both seasoned leaders and young trailblazers—to share how they got started, the challenges they faced, and the skills that helped them stand out.

Tune in for real stories and practical tips to build a career you love and navigate a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.

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