Today’s news in brief – 13/10/23
RBH, an independent hotel management company, has appointed Louisa Green as its new managing director. With over 20 years of experience in hotel management, including roles with IHG and other major operators, Green will take over from Susan Bland, who has served as managing director since 2020 and is stepping down to focus on charitable projects. Green has been an operational director at RBH for the past six years, overseeing the operation of franchised hotels across various well-known brands, as well as independent properties. Her new role, effective from January 2024, will involve overseeing the performance of all hotels in RBH’s portfolio. Green has played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion into the upscale and luxury sector and securing partnerships, including the UK’s first Westin hotel and The Gantry, Curio Collection by Hilton. She expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities and changes in the hotel industry and her eagerness to work with the executive committee to drive innovation and future achievements.
The Heathmount Hotel in Inverness has been listed for sale at £1.4m. Managed by the hotel and leisure division of UK Property Firm Graham and Sibbald, the hotel features eight boutique hotel rooms, a food and beverage business, and outdoor amenities, including a terrace with heaters, firepits, and an outdoor TV. The property has undergone significant investment in recent years, including a new commercial kitchen, room upgrades, and new carpeting. Graham and Sibbald see this as a great business opportunity for the right buyer to build upon the hotel’s reputation and frequent return guests. The current owner, Fiona Newton, expressed her bittersweet feelings about selling the hotel, which has been a community hub for over 30 years.
Hospitality operators across the UK came together for the annual Walk for Wellbeing, raising over £88,000 for Hospitality Action. The event aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues in the industry. Teams and individuals from various hospitality businesses, including Z Hotels, Dakota Hotels, and Placed App, participated in 20km walks in six cities across the UK. The London event, hosted by Mum, featured hundreds of walkers completing laps in Battersea Park. In the Midlands, the walk started and ended at Albert’s Schloss in Birmingham and covered scenic areas. Walks also took place in Manchester, Glasgow, and between flagship hotels in Bath and Bristol. The event drew nearly 900 participants. The funds raised will support those in the industry who need assistance.
Maybourne, the operator of luxury hotels such as Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley, has appointed Alexander Dietrich as its new chief construction and design officer. Dietrich, previously with Craigewan and Goldman Sachs, will oversee design, project, and construction management for Maybourne’s existing hotels and new developments globally. Maybourne also owns and operates international properties, including The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Maybourne Riviera. Roland Fasel, Maybourne’s chief operating officer, welcomed Dietrich to the team, emphasising his experience in real estate and the company’s exciting growth prospects. Dietrich expressed his honour in joining Maybourne at a crucial moment and his eagerness to work with the global design and delivery teams.
