SANDRA LÓPEZ
Transforming the Hospitality Industry as a Leading Force in Talent Acquisition
With more than two decades of experience in hospitality, human resources, and talent acquisition, Sandra López is recognized as a leading authority in her field. As Chief of Talent, her strategic leadership has transformed recruitment and talent development within the luxury hospitality sector. Sandra’s ability to implement innovative talent acquisition strategies, while fostering a culture of growth and excellence, has been instrumental in advancing the success of distinguished hospitality brands on a global scale.
A Strategic Vision for Talent Acquisition
Sandra’s journey in talent acquisition started in the fast-paced world of hospitality, where she quickly realised the importance of having the right people in place to deliver exceptional service. Her passion for recruiting and developing talent became her mission, leading her to specialise in creating innovative and personalised recruitment strategies for multiple global hospitality brands.
“In hospitality, the people make the difference,” Sandra explains. “We’re not just looking for skills, we’re looking for individuals who align with our values and our brand culture. Our employees are the face of our luxury portfolio, and we invest in their growth and development to ensure they have the best opportunities to succeed.”
Sandra’s expertise goes far beyond recruitment. She leads with a vision that fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and excellence, ensuring employees feel empowered to grow within the organisation. Her strategies leverage cutting-edge digital tools, social media, and her extensive personal network to find and retain top-tier talent.
Building a Global Workforce
As Global Chief of talent for luxury brands, Sandra ensures that her strategies are tailored to each brand’s unique identity and operational needs. The hospitality industry is inherently diverse, and Sandra’s approach reflects this. She works with teams around the world to develop recruitment plans that are culturally sensitive and aligned with local talent pools.
“My role is not only to hire the best talent but also to ensure that they stay with us,” she says. “Retention is just as important as acquisition, and creating a workplace where people feel valued and have room to grow is key.”
Making a Lasting Impact
What sets Sandra López apart in the world of talent acquisition is not just her ability to hire the right people but her dedication to making a long-term impact on their careers. Sandra believes that recruitment is not merely about filling positions, it is about creating meaningful connections and offering candidates a path for growth.
«When you engage with people during the recruitment process, you’re impacting their lives in ways that go beyond the job they’re applying for,» Sandra says. «Even when you have to reject someone for a position, the way you communicate with them, the way you respect them as an individual – that impact is lasting.»
Throughout her career, Sandra has embraced this people-first approach. She has nurtured relationships with job seekers, often staying in touch with them long after they’ve moved on to new opportunities. Whether through direct sourcing, career advice, or mentorship, Sandra’s guidance has helped shape the careers of countless individuals. Her passion for helping others achieve their goals is a testament to her commitment to the industry and the people within it.
A Journey of Resilience: Balancing Career and Family
Sandra’s professional success is even more impressive when you consider her personal journey. As the mother of two young children, she has raised on her own, Sandra has navigated the challenges of balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood. Her ability to succeed at both serves as an inspiration to working parents everywhere.
In an interview, she reflects on how she managed to thrive in her career while raising her children:
Q: Sandra, how have you managed to build a successful career while being a mother of two young children and raising them on your own?
Sandra López: «It required a great deal of discipline and strategic planning. I had to be highly organised, ensuring that I managed my time efficiently both in my professional and personal life. At work, I focused on creating processes that allowed for smooth operations, and at home, I set clear boundaries to make the most of my time with my children. Navigating the challenges of single motherhood and a demanding career has sharpened my resilience, adaptability, and ability to prioritize – qualities that have been crucial to my success.»
Q: What has been your proudest moment in the hospitality and talent acquisition industry?
Sandra López: “One of my proudest moments was leading a recruitment campaign for a pre-opening luxury hotel that brought together a diverse team from all corners of the globe. Not only did we manage to find the best talent, but we also created a cohesive team that was ready to deliver exceptional service from day one. Seeing the success of the hotel and knowing that I played a part in shaping the team gave me an immense sense of accomplishment.”
Q: What advice do you have for parents who are balancing a demanding career with raising children?
Sandra López: “Never underestimate the power of a support network, whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. Also, be kind to yourself. You’re juggling two very demanding jobs, and it’s fine not to be perfect. Focus on quality over quantity – whether it’s time spent with your kids or hours worked at the office, make it count.”
