About

I am originally from Japan but lived in the United States and Switzerland before I came to the UK. Before I joined the University of Derby in 2003 I worked in many sectors within the hospitality industry in Japan, Switzerland and the UK. Although I have changed my career path to teaching, I still have a passion for hospitality and keep my knowledge up to date through research and through being a customer. My expertise lies in the areas of managing cultural diversity and in service quality, as well as workforce development in the hospitality industry.

During my academic career, I also have performed a range of roles including Programme Leader, International Student Coordinator, International Collaborative Project Manager, and Online and Distance Learning Coordinator. 

Currently, I manage a range of online hospitality and business programmes. Online learning provides excellent learning opportunities along with the flexibility to fit into your career or lifestyle. It is not for everyone as it requires strong motivation and self-management skills, but if you remain realistic and focused, the rewards are enormous.

Research interests

Due to my international background, I have a keen interest in cultural diversity within both the educational sector as well as the hospitality industry. I have been researching the international students' experience at UK universities and using this research to provide a good support structure for them.

Another area of great interest to me, particularly in more recent years, is the skills shortage issue within the hospitality industry and how educational institutions can contribute to improving the situation by providing online learning opportunities. 

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of Institute of Hospitality
• Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy

Qualifications

• Higher Diploma in Hotel Management and Tourism, Swiss Hotel Management School
• BA (Hons) Hospitality Management, University of Derby
• MA Hospitality Management, University of Derby
• Accredited Lecturer in Intercultural Management, Hofstede Insights

Experience in industry

I spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry working for various hospitality organisations including luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and theme parks in Japan, Switzerland and UK in supervisory and management roles. Today, I regularly engage with industry professionals through networking and delivery of our online programmes that are designed for industry practitioners. 

International experience

I am from Japan and lived in the United States and Switzerland before I came to the UK. I have also spent some years in a multicultural environment that consists of people from over 100 countries, gaining first-hand knowledge and experience with cultural diversity.

Recent publications

• Iguchi, Y. (2021), ‘Survive Staff Shortage and Develop’, Hospitality Quarterly, Third quarter 2021, pp.22-23
• Iguchi, Y. (2020), ‘Culture Decoded’, Hospitality Quarterly, Issue 55, p.36
• Iguchi, Y. (2019), ‘Value of Hospitality Internships: and How you can develop future hospitality managers’, Hospitality Quarterly, Issue 53, pp.56-57
• Iguchi, I (2019), ‘How Does Japan Produce So Many Skilled Chefs?’, Hospitality Quarterly, Issue 52, p.13
• Iguchi, Y. (2017), 'How To Employ Home-Based Staff', Hospitality, no. 45, Summer 2017, pp. 46-47
• Iguchi, Y. (2016), Digital.Me: Harnessing the power of digital technologies to manage your professional profile, [webinar], Institute of Hospitality Webinar Series, 19th January
• Iguchi, Y. (2015), Professional Development for Success: How far have you come so far, and where do you want to go? [webinar], Institute of Hospitality Webinar Series, 3^rd November

Courses

• International Hospitality Business Management (Top-Up) BA (Hons) (online)
• Hospitality Business Management University Diploma (online)
• International Hospitality Business Management University Advanced Diploma (online)