Tamara Lohan

Tamara Lohan is a pioneering entrepreneur and female motivational keynote speaker who has transformed the travel and technology industries with her blend of innovation, resilience and vision. As the Founder and CEO of Mr & Mrs Smith, she has built a global brand that now connects over 1.5 million members with the world’s most exceptional boutique hotels. With a background in marketing and technology, Tamara speaks candidly about the realities of leadership, digital transformation and balancing ambition with family life. Her grounded, honest approach has made her one of the most engaging voices for women in business and tech today.

In 2002, Tamara co-founded Mr & Mrs Smith with her husband James after a series of disappointing weekend breaks sparked an idea for a trusted travel guide. What began as a self-published book soon evolved into a digital platform that redefined luxury travel. As Chief Technical Officer, Tamara spent over fifteen years developing the company’s digital infrastructure, from its booking engine and apps to advanced availability management systems. Her technical foresight helped the brand pivot early to online booking, setting the stage for international success. In 2020 she became CEO, guiding the company through the challenges of the pandemic and leading its next phase of expansion. The acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith by Hyatt in 2023 marked a major milestone in her career, solidifying the brand’s global presence.

Beyond her leadership at Smith, Tamara is a Non-Executive Director at Fortnum & Mason and has previously served on the board of notonthehighstreet.com, supporting high-growth creative and retail businesses. She co-founded WITs END, a network designed to inspire women in technology and business to pursue leadership roles, and mentors several start-ups including the handwritten marketing platform Inkpact. Her work has earned her widespread recognition, including an MBE for services to the British travel industry in 2014. Through every role, Tamara has been guided by a commitment to progress, authenticity and female empowerment.

As a keynote speaker, Tamara is known for her warmth, relatability and practical insight. She has delivered talks for KPMG, L’Oréal, Google, HSBC and the London Business School, sharing lessons from her journey as a tech leader and entrepreneur. She speaks openly about failure and resilience, encouraging audiences to take risks, trust their instincts and embrace imperfection. Whether addressing aspiring founders or corporate leaders, Tamara’s story proves that perseverance, curiosity and human connection remain at the heart of true innovation.