Who is WHAM?

I’m Mark Wright, Founder and Managing Director of WHAM Hospitality Consultancy and WHAM Hospitality Recruitment — supporting hospitality operators with operational leadership, project delivery, and senior recruitment support across the sector.

With over 25 years of hands-on experience, I’ve worked with some of the UK’s most iconic venues, with a particular focus in the North East and Scotland. My journey started as a glass collector and took me all the way to national Operations Director level — giving me a real-world understanding of how every part of a hospitality business works.

Over the years, I’ve held senior roles with companies such as 42nd Street Bars Ltd, Stonegate Pub Company, Danieli Holdings, and The Lane7 Group. I’ve led new venue openings, managed large-scale refurbishments, overseen major operational projects across the country, and helped businesses improve standards, performance and profitability.

At WHAM, I work with independent and growth-stage hospitality operators who need experienced operational support, project management, recruitment expertise, or a structured reset to help move their business forward. I’m passionate about helping businesses create stronger operations, successful openings, and standout teams.

Away from WHAM, I’m a proud dad of three, an avid sports fan, and a lifelong comic book enthusiast (so yes — the WHAM logo is my little nod to my guilty pleasure!). Giving back is important to me too; I mentor young people in schools and colleges, volunteer in governance and trustee roles, and remain open to opportunities as a Non-Executive Director.