Speaker

Mark Somen

Former Director
Soho House North America

Mark Somen’s career in the Hospitality Industry began in his native country, Kenya, at the age of sixteen and has since spanned three continents. His foray into hospitality started with leading safaris in his homeland for Abercrombie and Kent, which gave him the bug for travel and tourism, as well as a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. Somen attended Surrey University in England, where he graduated with honors. This achievement was a glimpse of what was to come. Following an internship at the Connaught Hotel in London, Somen went to the United States to continue his career at The Pierre Hotel in New York City. After 4 years at the Pierre, moved to the Four Seasons Hotels New York for another 4 years, followed by a stint at The St Regis Hotel. In the spring of 2000, Somen was recruited by the world-renowned China Grill Management to the position of Food and Beverage Director for the opening of the stylish Hudson Hotel. Subsequently, when China Grill needed a fresh perspective, Somen was brought in to oversee the re-launching of Tuscan, with famed chef Rocco DiSpirito. Enter Soho House; the exclusive London-based members’ club/boutique hotel. Somen was recruited to run the New York location as General Manager in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Director of Operations for North America, overseeing not only the New York location but the opening of Soho Beach House in Miami, the Soho House Satellite Clubs in Los Angeles, as well as the Cecconi’s restaurant opening in West Hollywood. In mid-2009, Somen came full circle, returning home to Kenya, as General Manager of the newly opened Tribe Hotel, for a period of 3 years. 2012 saw Somen return to New York, where a former colleague, Yvette Jong, asked him to partner with her in Craft House – a full-service, niche global hospitality consulting company. During Somen’s time with Craft House, he spent close to 2 years consulting on the opening of The Conduit. This turned into a permanent position with the Club, where Somen was recruited as the CEO, working on the launch of this new brand, which aims to open a number of private members’ clubs around the world. The Conduit is committed to building a community around positive social change and sustainability. The first club opened in London in 2018. Somen left The Conduit when it closed down as a result of the pandemic, and in 2021 joined KOFISI to re-imagine the company identifying as a hospitality company. He helped open KOFISI’s first restaurant and bar while bringing all events business in-house. Somen continues to work on all elements of hospitality within the organization and is a Strategic Advisor. Somen sits on various boards of charities and social enterprises. He is the Chair of FilmAid Kenya. He sits on the board of Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust – an organization in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, focusing on conservation, health, and education. And finally, he is a trustee of Rhino Ark, another conservation charity based in Kenya. Somen’s focus now is working on hospitality projects that are driven by impact and purpose, specifically around sustainability, conservation, health, and wellness.