Simon Thomas, head concierge at The Lanesborough in London, will be appointed International president of Les Clefs d’Or on in March 2017.

The ceremony will be held at the Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hôtels Les Clefs d’Or in Berlin. 

Thomas is the first British head concierge to be elected as international president of Les Clefs d’Or in over 25 years, the highest and most prestigious position a concierge professional can achieve.

Thomas received his Golden Keys in 1992, becoming the youngest member of Les Clefs d’Or, an international society of professional hotel concierge, with 44 member sections representing over 50 countries and close to 4,000 members.

Members have a strict selection process to complete before being accepted into Les Clefs d’Or and receiving their coveted keys.

The Golden Keys are a symbol of guaranteed quality service, knowledge, attention to detail and enviable contacts.

As one of London’s most important and influential concierges, Thomas is proud to work at iconic London hotel, The Lanesborough, part of the prestigious Oetker Collection.

Utilising his wealth of experience and an abounding black book of contacts, he manages around 32 people including chauffeurs, porters and doormen.

His knowledge of London and his attention to detail are second to none.

Highly respected in the industry, he is often called upon to represent concierges and to talk about customer service at the highest level of hospitality.

Geoffrey Gelardi, managing director of The Lanesborough, and a lifetime honorary member of Les Clefs d’Or, commented: “We are immensely proud that Simon has been chosen to assume this prestigious position. 

“It is a fine recognition of his talents and we are delighted to have him at The Lanesborough offering our guests one of the most responsive and knowledgeable concierge desks available today.”