At Act-Clean, excellence often happens quietly, overnight. But behind every spotless lobby, restaurant and kitchen, there are people whose stories shape the service that guests experience every morning. One of those people is Yekini Saromi, who has been with us for over seven years and began as a night cleaner. He has now grown into the role of Night Operations Manager, leading teams across some of London’s most iconic institutions. In this conversation, Yekini shares how he built his career, what keeps him motivated night after night, and why he believes the Act-Clean culture is key to delivering outstanding service whilst inspiring his team and helping others along the way.
“Beyond the career growth, it is the culture. Act-Clean values integrity, innovation, and people.”
“It’s been a long journey,” Yekini reflects simply. He started as “just ordinary staff,” then progressed to supervisor, then site manager, and now oversees client operations and team management across a portfolio of seven sites, including Sofitel and The Wolseley City.
“I always let [my team] understand that I started like you… so it could be you tomorrow.”
For Yekini, staying with Act-Clean for over seven years has been about more than just career progression. “Beyond the career growth, it is the culture,” he explains. “Act-Clean values integrity, innovation, and people. Whether staff or client, the leadership fosters a sense of ownership, and seeing the tangible impact of our work keeps me motivated.” Something which he is proud to foster in his team.
Yekini leads a team working throughout the night, ensuring that lobbies, kitchens, and guest areas are spotless, quietly elevating guest experience and all whilst the city sleeps. Speaking on his team, he always “leads with transparency and respect,” he says, emphasising the importance of “encouraging accountability and helping people understand why their work matters.” It is a mindset rooted in his own journey. “I always let them understand that I started like you… so where I am today, it could be you tomorrow.” Instilling a sense of pride in his work, clearly rubs off on his team and infiltrates his client relationships.
“Seeing the tangible impact of our work keeps me motivated.”
When working with clients, he describes how “we invest in their brand. [That] partnership mindset makes all the difference.” This is reflected in trusted relationships, including with Dan from The Wolseley, who Yekini meets regularly to refine processes and is quickly available on-site if any issues arise: “when there is a complaint or if I’m sent a message, I’m there, just on it.”
Looking ahead, Yekini is motivated by the idea of nurturing others as he was nurtured. His commitment to mentoring his team is rooted in gratitude: he wants to give back – “the way they grew me… let me do that [in return].”
In every quiet, meticulous night of cleaning, there is a story of growth, trust, and care unfolding under Yekini’s watch. It is a reminder that service excellence is not just about what guests see in the morning, but the leadership, consistency, and humanity that makes it possible each and every night.
Interested to hear how Act-Clean could partner with your business? Find out more here.