Joseph Ryan

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Hit Refresh Pte Ltd.

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I have spent the past 20 years designing and launching luxury hospitality around the world, in London, Malaysia and Singapore, with a stint organising events in Formula 1. I have since launched a start-up that is designing proprietary food technology using robotics and have just completed Asia’s first fully automated restaurant.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I love brand building, experiencing with new cultures as well as creating memories for people and this career has allowed me to do all!

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

EURFC.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the ability to learn how ancient history can assist us to interpret, and navigate todays world. I have many great memories in the Queens building!

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Exeter is an inclusive University with a great community. An incredible place that offers amazing sport, infinite countryside as well as coastal getaways all in close proximity.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

All of my seniors that had attended loved it, and it was a lot less stuffy than other campuses I visited.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Developing interpersonal skills have allowed me to setup home in three countries with very diverse cultures and build a career from scratch in each. Working in hospitality introduced me to a much broader cross section of industry than any of my friends, and eventually helped me to meet future backers, investors and business partners. Humour is undoubtedly one of the most useful tools to icebreaker!

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Start at the bottom, without ego. Learn the ropes in all areas of the business, and you will truly understand the business. Never forget, its easy to give commands from the top, but it is your foot soldiers that meet and greet your end user and lifeline: the customer!

What are your plans for the future?

Develop new technology for the F&B industry to solve the huge worldwide problems with labour shortages, operational costs and shrinking margins.