The Team
People are the beating heart of everything we do. Every single person brings their own unique skills and experiences but there are a few things that we all have in common:
- An ambition to deliver fantastic results for our clients.
- A determination to constantly challenge ourselves and deliver continuous improvement.
- A passion for delivering great hospitality and service.
Calum Russell, CEO
Calum leads the growth and expansion strategy for Covalt, as well as driving client operations. With significant commercial and operational experience in the Flexible Workspace, Leisure and Hospitality sectors, he brings a wealth of skills and experience to add to the knowledge and relationships he’s developed in the flexible workspace s
Calum leads the growth and expansion strategy for Covalt, as well as driving client operations. With significant commercial and operational experience in the Flexible Workspace, Leisure and Hospitality sectors, he brings a wealth of skills and experience to add to the knowledge and relationships he’s developed in the flexible workspace sector. Most recently Development Director EMEA for Flexible Workspace at Cushman & Wakefield, Calum has previously worked at De Vere Hotel Group, Malmaison & Hotel du Vin, and easyHotel.
Julian Arlett, CFO
Declan Hughes, Business Development Director
Julian provides strategic direction for Covalt, whilst managing the finance functions for the business and client operations. He is a commercially focused finance specialist with broad experience in financial, commercial and strategic leadership. Julian qualified as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG London before focusing on the Hospitality
Julian provides strategic direction for Covalt, whilst managing the finance functions for the business and client operations. He is a commercially focused finance specialist with broad experience in financial, commercial and strategic leadership. Julian qualified as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG London before focusing on the Hospitality sector. Formerly the Investor Relations Director at Hilton Group plc, he held the post of CFO in a number of hotel and asset management businesses and was most recently CFO at Habitas Group.
Declan Hughes, Business Development Director
Declan Hughes, Business Development Director
Declan Hughes, Business Development Director
Declan heads up Business Development working with landlords to deliver flexible workspace strategies that drive asset performance and operational efficiency. With a background in workspace strategy and revenue generation across his time at Citibase, Newflex, and Heritage Workspace, he brings deep expertise in occupier experience, commerci
Declan heads up Business Development working with landlords to deliver flexible workspace strategies that drive asset performance and operational efficiency. With a background in workspace strategy and revenue generation across his time at Citibase, Newflex, and Heritage Workspace, he brings deep expertise in occupier experience, commercial real estate, and operational delivery.
His experience in public sector procurement and regeneration adds valuable insight into placemaking and long-term asset positioning.
Emma Smith, Financial Controller
Declan Hughes, Business Development Director
Emma Smith, Financial Controller
As Financial Controller, Emma brings over two decades of experience in blue chip businesses, including Christie’s and Fortnum & Mason. Emma is an ACCA-qualified accountant with a deep commitment to financial integrity and business performance. She delivers clear insights and establishes robust controls which support sustainable growth and informed decision-making.