Burgh Island Hotel appoints head concierge

Burgh Island Hotel has appointed Simon James as its new head concierge. James brings with him a “wealth” of experience in the hospitality industry with a career spanning four decades. He began his career as a luggage porter at the Grosvenor Park Hotel, and although his career trajectory has varied since then, he was “always drawn back to the hospitality sector”. He has held previous roles across the retail sector and social work, later helping to manage a leading boutique hotel in Wales, and several bars across Spain and Malta. Prior to joining Burgh Island Hotel, James was head concierge/guest services manager at the Raithwaite Sandsend luxury estate near Whitby. In addition, James is a member of the elite international association of concierges, Les Clefs d’Or. With only around 3,000 members globally, working in over 80 countries and 530 destinations, it is a “mark of distinction and only awarded to the true concierge professionals dedicated to delivering the highest level of service to their guests and hotels”. Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon into the Burgh Island family. His illustrious career and reputation are the result of his professional excellence and passion for his role. He is a notable addition to the team at Burgh and will considerably strengthen our guest services at a time when we are undertaking the largest renovation in over a 100 years to provide new standards of contemporary luxury.” Penny Brown, managing director at Burgh Island Hotel, added: “It is brilliant to have Simon onboard at Burgh Island. I can say from past experience working with him at the Raithwaite Sandsend luxury estate that he is attentive, motivated and extremely professional. In his short time at the hotel, he has already made an impact on both guests and staff. His upbeat attitude and willingness to solve any issue make it a pleasure to work alongside him.” James said: “I am thrilled and honoured to join the team here at the Burgh Island Hotel. Working at an establishment with so much history and heritage is a joy and meeting the steady stream of new and regular guests keeps me motivated to provide the best service possible. As a lover of art and painting myself as well as studying Hindu Jain and Buddhist teachings, the opportunity to work in such a culturally and artistically significant hotel is one I cherish.”