Alastair storey

Chairman and ceo, westbury street holdiNgs

“I have known Diego Masciaga for many years and have always been deeply inspired by his commitment to excellent service. I was thrilled when he agreed to help our company BaxterStorey with training, development and consultancy. He is a key contributor and mentor on the BaxterStorey Service Academy and his impact on our business over the last twelve months has been immense particularly with some of our major customers. 

Diego has also been a huge supporter of The Gold Service Scholarship and his influence on young people in our industry has been profound. 

I consider it an honour and privilege to work with someone of Diego’s calibre and not only that he is a lovely person.”

ANDREAS ANTONA

CHEF PATRON, SIMPSONS RESTAURANT

“I have been a long-time admirer of the maestro himself. I have known Diego for the last 30 years and can call him a friend. He has always been an inspiration and to watch him in action is one of the best experiences you can have in our industry.

It is a must for all young restaurant managers to try and emulate the professionalism, dedication, hard work and mastery of his craft. If you can walk in his shadow, it would make you a great success. There is only one Diego, and, in my opinion, he is the best of the best that I have seen in my whole career as a chef and restauranteur.

It was an absolute delight and honour that he visited us at Simpsons and his day with us was a true inspiration to the whole team. I cannot wait to have him back at Simpsons.”

GIANLUCA AUSTIN-RIZZO

GENERAL MANAGER, SIMPSONS RESTAURANT

“It was both a great pleasure and an honour to have Diego Masciaga visit us at Simpsons recently. Diego came to speak to my team about the art of Customer Service.

I first met Diego 20 years ago when I arrived in the UK to work at The Waterside Inn. After spending several years alongside Diego, I knew that this was the career for me.

Diego has inspired me, mentored me and made me fall in love with the art of service - how to look after people and how to make them feel special.

"SMILE! SMILE! SMILE! It's free and can really make someone feel better and change his/her day"

This has been the best advice, I have received.”

BASSAM SHLEWET

OWNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, HURLEY HOUSE HOTEL

“Having known Diego from his time at the Waterside Inn and having witnessed first-hand his mastery of the art of hospitality, I had no doubt having him on board would be invaluable to Hurley House.

With his personable character and vast knowledge, he was quick to gain the staff’s full engagement and respect. His training methods and approach were very effective and the results immediate and remarkable.

As a consultant, his advice was pertinent and tailormade to our clientele and our brand vision. Our cooperation with Diego is ongoing and will continue for some time, no doubt.”

REMY LYSE

Chief operating officer, the arts club

“Having known Diego since our arrival in the UK in June 1983 for our first English experience working side by side at Le Gavroche, our friendship has not stopped ever since. Both of us are passionate about the industry and so dedicated to deliver a service that is second to none.

Diego concentrated on 3 Michelin starred Waterside Inn restaurant whilst I developed with the likes of The Dorchester Hotel, Conran Restaurants, Sofitel St James Hotel, Corbin and King and now The Arts Club.

After 35 years, I have now invited Diego to join The Arts Club as our Service Ambassador as our Club is further developing in many ways and indeed we are on the cusp of international expansion.

Diego has a wealth of experience and he is able as our Consultant to read every situation straight away, to deliver the extra details in Member recognition and to provide the guidance that our younger staff sometimes needs. To be able to pass over this passion to our staff is so valuable; Diego is a superb example and a true ambassador.”

PAUL COMPTON

Former CEO (EMEA), JSP Corporation

“If you aspire to deliver excellent customer service, Diego Masciaga is the best teacher you can have.  Diego has lived it and delivered it every day of his career.  You will find no better example.  Diego is the exemplar.

I asked him to speak and to inspire my executive team.  That speech had dramatic impact on my team.  The lessons learned helped underpin the differentiation of our own business, where we became an exception due to our focus on client service in the engineering / automotive sectors.

Having now known Diego for more than twenty-five years, I have seen that he is relentless in his pursuit of perfection.  He is also an exceptional leader.  Diego is unique, but he is also personable and approachable.  Above all he is genuine and committed.  Diego has a rare gift for customer service.  Those gifts were valid in the past, but are even more relevant today as more-and-more customers seek "experiences".  There is no-one better to convey the art, dignity and honour in customer service than Diego.”