With a people-first philosophy and global hospitality expertise, Sparren Consulting joins the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025 as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing the belief that true excellence begins with humanity. Founded by hospitality veteran James Young, the firm champions leadership, empathy, and connection across Vietnam’s dynamic culinary and service landscape.
In the world of hospitality, success is built not only on precision and performance but on people their passion, empathy, and shared purpose. Reflecting this ethos, Sparren Consulting proudly joins the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025 as a Gold Sponsor, strengthening a partnership rooted in integrity, inspiration, and human connection.
Founded by James Young, MBA, FIH, Sparren Consulting embodies the principle of “Humanity at Work.” With over three decades of leadership across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, James brings unmatched insight into luxury operations, people development, and strategic transformation. His distinguished career includes senior roles such as Director of Operations, Luxury and Lifestyle, Australasia & Pacific and prior to that Area General Manager Indochina with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and Vice President Resource Planning and Development, overseeing The Reverie Saigon, Vietnam’s only member of Leading Hotels of the World.
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Established to empower owners and operators across all business sectors, Sparren Consulting is distinguished by its human-centred approach. Every project begins with understanding of people, teams, and culture. From strategic advisory to pre-opening guidance, leadership mentoring, and customer experience enhancement, the firm combines data-driven excellence with emotional intelligence to help businesses thrive with authenticity and grace.
The consultancy’s values Respect, Teamwork, Commitment, Learning, and Positivity mirror the core spirit of the Gourmet Vietnam Awards, where culinary brilliance meets human storytelling. Through collaboration, empathy, and continuous learning, Sparren Consulting has become a trusted partner for brands and individuals aspiring to raise standards in service and hospitality.
Recent accomplishments from re-negotiating hotel management agreements and developing partnerships with Michelin-starred restaurants to mentoring the next generation of leaders — demonstrate the firm’s deep commitment to nurturing sustainable growth and excellence through people. Its educational partnerships and active involvement with universities in Vietnam, Thailand, and the UK further reflect its belief that meaningful progress comes through shared knowledge and connection.
By supporting the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025, Sparren Consulting continues to champion the intersection of humanity and excellence — where leadership inspires, service uplifts, and community connects. Together, this partnership celebrates not just achievements in gastronomy, but the people and principles that make Vietnam’s hospitality industry extraordinary.