The Collection
The Founders
Luxury service does not evolve by accident. It evolves through discipline, experience and conviction.
The Master Butler Collection was founded on a shared belief: that butler service, when properly understood and professionally structured, remains one of the defining differentiators within global luxury hospitality.
Robert Watson
Robert Watson represents a generation of hospitality professionals whose careers helped shape the modern interpretation of butler service within luxury hotels and private households.
With decades of international experience across private residences, leading hotels, yachts and cruise ships, including his influential role during the reintroduction of traditional butler service at The Lanesborough London, his contribution to luxury service education has helped inspire professionals worldwide.
His philosophy is grounded in structure, discipline, coordination and the belief that true luxury service is built upon consistency, professionalism and refined standards.
Wayne Fitzharris
Wayne Fitzharris represents the modern evolution of luxury service, where tradition, emotional intelligence and contemporary guest expectations converge.
Recognised internationally for his work in luxury hospitality training and operational transformation, Wayne has spent decades helping hotels, resorts and private service professionals redefine the meaning of refined hospitality for a new generation.
As Vice Chairman of the Master Butler Collection, and Founder of Aspire Globally and The Professional British Butler School, his philosophy combines classical service principles with modern behavioural understanding, emotional connection and leadership development.
His work continues to influence the future direction of luxury hospitality by preserving the heritage of butler service while evolving its relevance within today’s world of luxury experience.
Robin Stuart
With over four decades of leadership across hospitality management and private service, Robin has set a global benchmark for excellence, discretion, and mentoring in the art of butlering.
Robin has a distinguished career supporting UHNW (Ultra High Net Worth) families across Europe and the Middle East, including leadership roles as Head Butler in Oxfordshire and Palace Manager in Riyadh, overseeing over 160 international staff.
As a founding member and past President of the International Butler Alliance, Robin has played a vital role in shaping the global butlering community, uniting professionals and promoting elevated standards across cultures.
Steven Ferry
Steven Ferry is one of the most quietly influential figures in luxury service today. As Founder of the International Institute of Modern Butlers, he has shaped the profession with thoughtfulness, clarity, and global relevance.
Through his acclaimed publications, including The British Butlers’ Bible and Hotel Butlers, The Great Service Differentiators, Steven has redefined what excellence in service looks like. He blends classical training with emotional intelligence and delivers a service philosophy built on trust, humility, and quiet precision.
More than a trainer, Steven Ferry is a philosopher of refined service. His legacy lives in every moment where a guest feels valued without needing to ask.
Josephine Ives
As the first female butler in the United Kingdom, Josephine served dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and British High Court Judges, breaking tradition with distinction.
Josephine is also a qualified chef, author, and respected trainer whose work is shaped by empathy, excellence, and cultural intelligence. Her publications remain essential reading for service professionals worldwide.
Vincent Vermeulen
Vincent Vermeulen is a celebrated figure in European hospitality, known for his visionary approach to butler training and refined guest experiences.
Vincent trains professionals across private households, hotels, and high-end service venues. His signature philosophy, Guestology 2.0, brings psychology, presence, and emotional intelligence into the heart of guest relations.
A true ambassador of European elegance, Vincent’s work continues to shape a new generation of service professionals who embody discretion, charm, and authenticity.
The Founders’ Series that follows is not commentary. It is framework. It addresses philosophy, commercial impact, implementation structure and the risks of dilution in a rapidly expanding luxury market.
At its core lies one consistent principle:
- Butler service is not a costume - It is a philosophy.
- When built correctly, it strengthens reputation, increases repeat loyalty, protects rate integrity and elevates every department it touches.
The Master Butler Collection exists to preserve, refine and advance that standard.
Vision
- To improve the standards we have learned from those who have gone before.
- To present our profession worthy of distinction.
Our Mission
- By abiding to our code of conduct, we can improve the Butler Profession.
- Create a professional attitude and attract people to a life of self-less service.