Today’s news in brief – 15/1/24

Starwood Capital Group has acquired 10 hotels from Edwardian Group in an off-market deal. The portfolio, with 2,053 rooms, includes Central London freehold hotels. Edwardian Group will continue to operate The Londoner and its two Radisson Collection hotels. Starwood Capital plans to invest in enhancing the hotels, expanding its European portfolio to 47 hotels with around 10,000 rooms.

Travelodge has appointed Kirsty Berry as head of estates. Berry, who joined in 2022 as regional estate manager, has played a crucial role in the recent success of the estates function. Travelodge has nearly 600 hotels in the UK, Ireland, and Spain, with over 580 in the UK and a sublet estate with over 150 subtenants.

Lukasz Dwornik has been appointed managing director of the NICI Group, a seasoned hotelier with nearly two decades of experience. Dwornik has worked with NICI Group founder Nicolas Roach and was previously with Harbour Hotels. Richard Warr and Christopher Drodge have also joined the team. The hotel group will introduce its second restaurant, ‘Harry Rocks,’ this year.

Ayo Akinsete is the new chief operating officer of Generator, a lifestyle hybrid accommodation brand. Akinsete, with over 15 years of industry experience, will lead global operations and oversee new projects during a period of rapid growth. His previous roles include area managing director at SH Hotels and Resorts and leading operations at Dream Hotel Group. Generator aims to extend its reach into Asia and the Middle East after record-breaking results and strategic efforts to consolidate its presence in key markets in Europe and the United States.