What makes them tick?

Seiko is collaborating with leaders and innovators in a variety of fields to celebrate the release of the Ananta Collection

Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent annually moves nearly a quarter of a million people around the globe. So for president and chief operating officer Joss Kent, being organised is a given.

With 62 offices in 33 countries, A&K is unique in having such a global on-the-ground network. ‘We are the only global company that is still in control of your experience, right down to the nitty-gritty of the detail,’ says Kent. ‘If I walked into a restaurant like Le Caprice in London and saw that, instead of a kitchen, there was a line of motorbikes that were going out to collect food from a variety of other sources, I wouldn’t want to eat there. It’s the same with us. Our clients want to be certain that we are in charge of every experience.

‘Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness,” and I believe passionately in travel’s ability to change people. What makes me tick is seeing very rich people, who might think they have everything, being brought to their knees and humbled by travel. Travel makes them feel new emotions, reprioritise their lives and reconnect with their families. It has real power.’

Before joining A&K, Kent spent three years as an army officer. ‘The army influenced me enormously. It taught me how to make do with what you have in a world in which everyone wants more. It’s incredibly meritocratic and that showed me how to lead in the correct way. That means never asking anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. I always make tea for everyone in the office, for example.