In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Max Thorne, chief executive of MRP Group.
• The best part of my job is…
Creating new serviced apartment opportunities. I love this element, whether it be reviewing a business and advising on the operations, the strategy or the direction, the ability to help others see opportunities differently is very fulfilling.
• The most challenging part of my job is…
I continue to be challenged daily by making sure that the sophisticated investors within the investment market fully understand the sector. Don’t get me wrong, when I look at where we were 10 years ago, we have achieved significant milestones, but like many evolving sectors, we still need to educate more.
• My biggest achievement in business is…
Being the investment founder of what today is called SACO, the journey with Oaktree in acquiring and developing so many assets and then, prior to my departure, acquiring SACO the business was a monumental time for me and the sector, and then being privileged enough to be retained by Brookfield Asset Management to buy the business from Oaktree again was amazing. I would happily do it all over again and again.
• My biggest mistake in business was…
Probably spending too much time in real estate, before I realised that combining real estate with hospitality accomplished my real passion. I wish I had entered hospitality 10 years earlier than I did.
• If I wasn’t working in our industry I would like to have been a…
At school, my desire was to be involved with film. I took drama and film and television at A Level, but was lured away early by an opportunity in real estate. I wanted to be a film director.
• The best piece of advice anyone ever gave me was…
Nothing is that important it can’t wait until tomorrow, sometimes time is the best solution.
• If I could tell my 18-year old self one thing it would be…
Life is short, enjoy every moment and be true to yourself, if you love it embrace it and if you don’t move on.
• The person I admire most in hospitality is…
Former BHA CEO Ufi Ibrahim
• The person I admire most in history is…..
Nelson Mandela
• I am surprisingly good at…
Clay pigeon shooting, skiing and diving – they are my passions.
• I am surprisingly bad at…
Running, I have never been able to enjoy and maintain jogging or running, I love the gym, but running I just can’t seem to get on with.
• My perfect day off would be…
With my family, and would include an English breakfast, an early morning dive, a morning shoot, tapas for lunch, and afternoon ski, and a fondue supper.
