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Rubens Team

Meet our team

Led by General Manager, Vince Castronovo, and overseen by Managing Director, Malcolm Hendry, The Rubens is a family of passionate people, with a warm, inclusive ethos that embraces everything we do. We are proud to be a part of the family-owned and run Red Carnation Hotel Collection and of our hotel’s exceptional heritage.

Malcolm Hendry

Managing Director

The epitome of a ‘people person’, Malcolm Hendry is driven by knowing that the guests in all of the hotels he oversees are enjoying their stays. After completing a degree in Hospitality and Business Management, Malcolm was Assistant Manager, then Deputy Manager of Speyside’s Craigellachie Hotel. By 2004, Malcolm was General Manager of The Rubens at the Palace, Hotel 41 and bbar, and Red Carnation’s first Scottish property, 100 Princes Street.

Vince Castronovo

Vince Castronovo

General Manager

Vince Castronovo was promoted to General Manager of The Rubens at the Palace in 2023, bringing a wealth of hospitality expertise to his role. With a career deeply rooted in the luxury hotel industry, Vince combines a keen eye for detail with a passion for delivering unparalleled guest experiences. His commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of the hotel's operations, ensuring that each visitor to The Rubens encounters a seamless blend of opulence and warm hospitality.

Chef Ben Kelliher in the kitchen

Ben Kelliher

Executive Chef

Cultivating his skills at renowned London establishments, including The Chesterfield Mayfair, Ben Kelliher's love for food flourished. Currently at the helm of The Rubens at the Palace and Hotel 41, he and his team are dedicated to sourcing fresh, local, and seasonal produce. His food is a testament to his culinary prowess, and under his guidance, guests are treated to extraordinary flavours that linger fondly in their memories.

Leo Forte

Leo Forte

Hotel Manager

Leo began his career in hospitality Front of House at The Milestone Hotel & Residences. In 2018, he transitioned to the Food & Beverage department, consistently exceeding guest expectations with his dedication and attention to detail. His outstanding performance earned him the role of Senior Executive Manager in 2023. Now, as Hotel Manager at The Rubens at the Palace, Leo is excited to lead a larger team and tackle the rewarding challenges of managing a prestigious hotel.

Anton Richards

Director of Sales

Anton Richards is the Director of Sales for The Rubens at the Palace, Hotel 41, and bbar. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management, he brings over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. Anton has excelled in various roles managing accounts across the EMEA region. Known for his strong organisational skills and professional demeanour, Anton effectively leads sales strategies and builds relationships with local and international clients.

The Rubens Curry Room with waiter

Mohan Senchuri

Curry Room Manager

Mohan Senchuri, the adept Curry Room Manager at The Rubens at the Palace, brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for authentic flavours to his role. His commitment to delivering impeccable service and a memorable culinary journey is evident in every aspect of the Curry Room. Under Mohan's guidance, guests are treated to a symphony of spices and exquisite dishes, creating an unforgettable dining experience at The Rubens.

Sergio Gimeno

Director of Engineering

Sergio Gimeno ensures all maintenance is carried out to the standard that The Rubens' beautiful building deserves, helping to preserve its heritage and historical features. Sergio is happy to enhance your Sky television system, set up a Chrome Cast, arrange for a mini-fridge to be fitted pre-stay, and assist with any queries about our ventilation cooling and heating system.

Kristina Veselyte

Executive Housekeeper

Kristina Veselyte has a great passion for cleanliness and the exceptional importance of every single small detail, from beautiful turndowns to thoughtful gifts and surprises. Kristina and her team and will be happy to fulfil any special wishes you might have, from pillow choices to mattress toppers and is on hand to answer any questions about sanitisation procedures and welfare measures.

Carlota Rodriguez

Food & Beverage Operations Manager

In 2019, Carlota embarked on her professional journey with Red Carnation Hotels through the Management Programme, and swiftly becoming an ambassador for its remarkable potential. Demonstrating tenacity in optimising revenue, standards, and team performance, Carlota plays a pivotal role in elevating our Afternoon Tea here at the Rubens.

Erika Nyitrai

Food & Beverage Operations Manager

Erika joined the Rubens in 2017 as a Breakfast Waitress and quickly emerged as a beacon of service excellence within Red Carnation. From the outset, she embodied our service standards, becoming a true ambassador for our commitment to exceptional customer experiences. Passionate about creating outstanding services, Erika continues to play a pivotal role in collaborating with the culinary team at The Rubens to establish one of the finest breakfast experiences in London.

Sarah Bristow

Head of UK Reservations

Sarah Bristow leads the Red Carnation Hotels UK Reservations team, taking care of our guests' room reservations. If you would like to discuss an upcoming reservation, individual or group enquiry, Sarah will be delighted to assist with this and provide her personal recommendations.

Reception team

Join our family

If you are looking for a career in hospitality, and want to bring your enthusiasm and skills to a dynamic company who offers long-term prospects coupled with first-class training and development, then we'd like to hear from you.

Find out more