London, United Kingdom, January 2026 — Steve Rockey has started a new position as Head of People & Culture Europe at The Zetter, further strengthening the people leadership of the boutique hospitality group as it continues to grow its portfolio across Europe.
In his new role, Steve Rockey will be responsible for shaping and leading the people and culture agenda across The Zetter’s European operations. His mandate includes strengthening organisational culture, supporting leadership teams, and ensuring people strategies are closely aligned with the group’s distinctive brand ethos, sustainability focus, and long-term growth ambitions.
Steve brings with him deep hospitality-sector expertise built over more than two decades. Prior to joining The Zetter, he served as People Director at THE PIG Hotel, where he spent over eight years leading people strategy for the award-winning hospitality brand. During this period, he played a key role in supporting the group’s expansion while preserving its strong culture and people-first philosophy.
Earlier, Steve founded Esoteric HR, where he worked as a People Consultant, advising fast-growing hospitality brands on transformational and operational people strategies. His consulting work included supporting well-known restaurant groups such as Polpo and the Underdog Group. Before this, he held senior people leadership roles including Head of People at Big Easy Restaurants and Head of People at Byron, where he partnered closely with CEOs and leadership teams to build scalable people strategies during periods of rapid growth.
Steve’s earlier career includes over six years at PizzaExpress as Human Resources Manager, as well as foundational HR experience at Compass Group Plc, where he worked as a Human Resources Executive. Across these roles, he developed extensive expertise in employee engagement, leadership development, succession planning, and culture-led growth within complex hospitality environments.
With his extensive background across hotels and restaurant businesses, Steve Rockey is well positioned to lead the people and culture function at The Zetter as it continues to evolve as a distinctive, values-driven hospitality group.
About The Zetter
The Zetter creates award-winning hotels, restaurants, and bars known for their individuality, wit, and strong sense of character. Its portfolio includes The Zetter Clerkenwell, The Zetter Marylebone, Marrable’s Hotel, and the upcoming The Zetter Bloomsbury. Renowned for reinventing the boutique hotel concept, The Zetter places sustainability, storytelling, and exceptional guest experience at the heart of its culture and operations.
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