Vicky Ilankovan’s journey in hospitality is shaped by passion, purpose, and a deep belief in people. Her career began 18 years ago, when she started working as a chef in her friend’s pub. At the time, she was also studying at university and trying to build a career in the third sector. However, hospitality continued to stay close to her life. What began as an early work experience soon became the foundation of a long and meaningful career.

We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Vicky Ilankovan as one of the The Most Acclaimed Leaders in Hospitality, 2026.

Her path took a major turn when she was invited to join a global luxury men’s fashion magazine as a Lifestyle Editor. In this role, she was responsible for building and growing the lifestyle section from the ground up. This opportunity brought her closer to the world of hospitality, especially the drinks industry and wet-led hospitality. It was here that she found a strong connection with the sector, its people, its creativity, and its ability to bring people together. Over the years, she built experience across journalism, PR, marketing, events, global sales, business development, and project management. Today, she serves as Executive Director at Equal Measures UK and also works as a spirits judge for various global awards. She is also part of important industry groups, including the Tales of the Cocktail Education Committee, the Women’s Night Safety Charter Gender & Diversity Group, and Drinks United’s Advisory Board. Through these roles, she continues to support safer, fairer, and more inclusive spaces in hospitality.

True leadership means achieving results while supporting people as whole human beings.

Vicky has always been driven by a desire to help people and challenge injustice. For her, hospitality is not only about food, drinks, venues, or service. It is about people, belonging, and shared experiences. Her love for food, drink, and the art of hospitality came together with her strong wish to create better systems for everyone. This combination has shaped her work for more than two decades. She has always tried to shine a light on the excellence within the industry, whether it is found in people, products, venues, or organisations.

Her current work with Equal Measures UK reflects the purpose that has guided her throughout her career. Through the organisation, she supports people who have been held back by systemic barriers and lack of access. She also works with the global trade and national governing bodies to improve safeguarding, policy, education, and understanding. Her goal is to help create a hospitality industry where people from all backgrounds can grow, succeed, and feel safe.

Vicky’s leadership style is both structured and human. She describes it as systematic and metrics-driven, but also focused on empathy, flexibility, humour, and the needs of individuals. She believes in hard work and strong results, but she also believes that results must be achieved ethically. For her, people should never be treated only as a function within a system. They should be seen as whole individuals, with their own experiences, strengths, and challenges. This people-first approach is central to how she leads.

Her understanding of great hospitality is also deeply personal. To Vicky, hospitality means feeling welcome and accepted for who you are. It means becoming part of an experience and a community, whether as a guest or as a worker. She believes great hospitality does not need to be expensive or exclusive. When she had her own publication, Sated Online, she covered everything from family-run cafes to Michelin-star restaurants. For her, the real value of hospitality lies in the feeling it creates. It is about being seen, valued, and included.

Vicky believes that successful hospitality leaders must listen to their teams. In her view, the team is the most valuable asset in any part of the industry. When people feel safe, respected, and valued, they are more likely to perform well, stay longer, bring new ideas, and help the business grow. She sees inclusion not only as a moral responsibility, but also as a practical strength for any organisation.

Her career has also included difficult challenges. As a neurodivergent woman of colour, Vicky has faced racism, sexism, prejudice, and systemic barriers from a young age. She has been passed over for roles, paid less than others, expected to work without fair recognition, and judged by unfair standards. These experiences shaped her understanding of how deep these barriers can be. When doors were closed to her, she built her own path and made sure others could walk through it with her. Today, through Equal Measures UK and her wider industry platform, she works to challenge the same systems that once held her back.

Great hospitality begins when people feel seen, valued, and accepted for who they are.

For young professionals entering hospitality, Vicky encourages them to find their people, develop their craft, and keep learning. She believes knowledge can come from many places, including books, articles, podcasts, trade shows, workshops, social media, and most importantly, peers. She also encourages young people to reach out respectfully to those they admire. Hospitality is a people-led industry, and she believes no one should feel they have to grow alone.

Looking ahead, Vicky plans to continue driving intersectional inclusion in the drinks and hospitality industries. Through Equal Measures UK’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion consultancy, she wants to keep working with brands, venues, organisations, and individuals who are ready to create long-term change. Her work supports marginalised people, helps businesses attract new talent and consumer markets, and shows that everyone benefits when people feel they belong.

Vicky’s message to the next generation of leaders is clear: be yourself and be kind to others. She believes people should not have to hide parts of themselves to succeed. For her, a long and meaningful career comes from doing the work, seeking the right opportunities, and staying true to who you are. Her journey stands as an example of courage, care, and leadership rooted in inclusion.

Inclusion is not only about opening doors, but making sure people feel they belong once they enter.