Leadership series: Chris Batchelor

Our CORE Leadership Series documents the perspectives of influential and inspiring industry figures. 

We are here speaking with Chris batchelor, CEO of RED Hospitality. 

In this interview, Chris provides an overview of RED Hospitality, outlining the company’s footprint across the Caribbean and the breadth of its operations. 

We explore what it really means to operate in what many see as a dream destination, including the profound impact of having previously lost everything in a hurricane, and how that experience has shaped his leadership style, resilience, and approach to long-term planning. 

Chris shares insights into serving over 500,000 customers a year across remote island locations, discussing the logistical, staffing, and supply chain challenges that come with operating at scale in such unique environments. 

We also delve into his personal journey into hospitality, whether it was always a natural calling, and examine how RED is responding to evolving guest expectations in an era where every customer wants to feel like a VIP and capture their perfect “Instagram moment.”

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the tougher days either, as Chris reflects on business setbacks, the lessons learned, and how those experiences have informed smarter decision-making. 

Finally, we look ahead to the future of RED Hospitality, exploring the company’s vision, growth plans, and what’s next on the horizon.

RED hospitality: 

RED Hospitality and Leisure are the largest luxury water sports operator for hotels in South Florida, the Caribbean and Hawaii. Established in 2018, RED partner with premier brands across the most exclusive islands to bring unique, one-of-a-kind land and sea-based experiences to their mutual guests from around the world. Their clients include The Ritz-Carlton, Autograph Collection, Westin, Grace Bay Club, The Bungalows, Margaritaville Key West, Havana Cabana, Pier House, Grand Wailea and others.

Selected as a three time honouree by Great Places to Work, they pride themselves on creating lifelong opportunities for hospitality-focused individuals as well, unlocking the ability to build a career in leadership, finance, human resources, concierge, sales, beach, sailing, retail, food and beverage, crew, maintenance, and captains, offering the ability to cross-train and transfer to more than six islands across the world. 

Their core values of professionalism, performance, individual development and hyper-growth have led the company to expand from the USVI to Key West, Key Largo, Turks and Caicos, BVI and Hawaii, with more than 250 employees across the organisation.