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Debbie Taylor

Debbie Taylor, Managing Director, The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa.

Debbie Taylor joined The Kohler Company as Managing Director of Old Course Limited in September 2007, with a mission to spearhead the future expansion and development of this world-class resort. Debbie will oversee the expansion of the destination, including the addition of The Duke's Residence - a Victorian mansion house with luxury accommodation - and the further enhancement of the resort's own championship golf course, The Duke's. 

With over 25 years of experience in the hotel, travel and tourism sectors, Debbie boasts extensive skills in management, operations and sales & marketing. She previously held the role of General Manager at Rocco Forte's The Balmoral in Edinburgh (2003-2007) where she became the first woman to manage this hotel in its 101-year history.  

As one of Scotland's most prominent hoteliers, she is a leading figure in the Scottish tourism industry and is well-known for her inspirational and dynamic leadership qualities. Debbie is Chairman of the British Hospitality Association Scotland Committee, a Director of the Institute of Hospitality, and a Master Innholder - she is one of only nine women in the world to hold this prestigious accolade. 

Debbie, who places a great emphasis on staff training and development, has amassed an outstanding array of awards over the past few years; she is the current holder of a prestigious Catey accolade for Manager of the Year 2007 (awarded by Caterer & Hotelkeeper Magazine) and was previously the RAC Manager of the Year.

Board Experience:
• Chairman of The British Hospitality Association Scotland Committee
• Councillor of the Institute of Hospitality (2007)
• Chair, People 1st Scotland (2006-2007)
• Inaugural Chair of the Board of Edinburgh Convention Bureau Ltd (2005-2007)
• Council Member, Edinburgh Principal Hotels Association
• Board Member, The Cardiff Initiative in (2003-2004)
• Vice Chairman of the Cardiff Hoteliers' Association

Academic Studies include:
• Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality
• Master of Science - Hospitality Management
• Cornell University - General Managers' World-wide Programme
• École Hotelière de Lausanne, Switzerland - Finance for Non-Financial Managers
• Further Education Teaching Certificate
• BTEC Diploma - Business Studies