ESEM Europe

STUART LYON – PART OF OUR TEAM FOR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY

All | 09/01/18

The success of a business like ESEM rests on the hotels, venues, suppliers and staff we carefully select to deliver an outstanding service to our customers.

Hotels have to have the experience to accommodate football teams and their detailed requirements; training facilities have to be up to the standard the clubs are expecting, restaurants for sponsors and guests of the clubs have to be able to cater for large groups and provide the same efficient service and quality of food as for individual guests. Transport companies have to have the experience, quality of the vehicles and drivers to deliver a smooth and punctual service. And then there are the people who coordinate all aspects of the projects, deal with the venues and suppliers on the job – our multi-lingual guides and project managers.

When ESEM Managing Director Christian Machowski started working in this industry 25 years ago today, Stuart Lyon was the first person I met on a project in Manchester, showing me how to meet and greet a group at the airport, how to bond with the customers. Stuart has been part of my and ESEM’s journey as a freelance project manager ever since and this anniversary is the perfect opportunity to pay a tribute to him.

Forward thinking, anticipation, focus, not taking anything for granted, checking and double checking, personality, diplomacy, flexibility, multiple language skills and a good sense of humor – these are just a few of the attributes a top project manager has to have to work in this environment. Stuart ticks all of these boxes. His personality and approach has earned him an outstanding reputation in this industry and the respect and friendship of people from many different countries.

The more complicated the task ahead, the more enjoyable the challenge is for Stuart. His ability to familiarize himself with cities (ESEM have worked in 126 different ones across Europe over the years), airports, stadium environments, enables him to control the project he is in charge of.

From training camps, Champions League and Europa League matches to International games and major Finals and tournaments, Stuart’s CV is one of the most impressive in this industry, where continuity and quality don’t always come as standard.

Thank you for everything, Stuart. What a journey it has been and long may it continue.

Christian & the ESEM Team