It’s been about six months since Peter Brown, Director of Hosts International and my beloved husband, passed away. As I step into his shoes, I wanted to share some personal reflections on this challenging transition and my commitment to preserving the exceptional service we are known for.

From student to director: My journey

My story with Hosts International began when I was an international student myself. From being given a small project to becoming Operations Manager, I’ve grown alongside this company for nearly 25 years. I’ve been involved in developing the systems, procedures, and documentation that form the foundation of our business, training our first employees, and expanding to new locations. This journey from student to Director hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s filled me with pride and humility to now lead the company I helped build.

Honouring Peter’s legacy while finding my voice

Peter was irreplaceable—his charisma, straight-talking attitude, and natural way with people created the unique personality of Hosts International. While I know I can never truly replace these qualities, I’m trying to channel some of his optimism and ability to see the good in everyone. I hear and feel his presence in every business decision, reminding myself how far we’ve come together and using his example to guide me forward.

Leading through modern challenges

The business landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. From navigating remote work preferences to maintaining the human connection that sets us apart, I’m committed to finding the balance between adaptation and preserving the dedicated service that made us the go-to accommodation partner. I strive to support our team’s wellbeing, while maintaining our reputation for excellence and unwavering customer focus.

Looking forward

Despite the challenges of stepping into this role, I feel immense pride in our team, our partnerships, and our service. I’m committed to ensuring Hosts International remains the most reputable company for accommodation in our industry through hard work and never compromising on quality. I will continue doing my absolute best to honour Peter’s legacy while guiding the company into its next chapter.