Gleneagles has signed up three key members of staff, to build on its success and further enhance the guest experience – as part of new owner Ennismore’s multi-million pound investment and development programme across the hotel.
The iconic Perthshire hotel has appointed Conor O’Leary – formerly Director of Food & Beverage at the five-star Grand Hyatt in Dubai – to the role of Hotel Manager, with chief responsibility for all food and beverage operations across the hotel and estate.
Conor, who brings 20 years’ experience in the field and had responsibility for 14 restaurants and bars at the Hyatt group’s largest global food and beverage operation, has been tasked with further enhancing Gleneagles’ guest offering across four dining venues and three bars.
Conor is inheriting the reins at the five-star property from current Director of Food & Beverage, Alan Hill – whose outstanding efforts over the past 27 years have been pivotal to establishing Gleneagles’ reputation as a globally-renowned hotel with an exceptional culinary offering.
Conor O’Leary, Hotel Manager, Gleneagles’“I am delighted to be joining the team at Gleneagles – which is recognised as being the finest seat of luxury Scottish hospitality; with some of the foremost facilities in the industry; and in one of the most beautiful settings in the world,” said Conor.
He added: “An ambitious vision has been set by Gleneagles, in terms of strengthening the hotel’s position on the global stage and enhancing the guest experience, and I very much look forward to contributing to its future success.”
Conor is joined by Warren Brown, who has taken up the post of Gleneagles’ Executive Chef, following roles as Executive Chef at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur; at the Shangri-La in Manila; and at the St Regis, Shanghai.
Warren Brown, Executive Chef, Gleneagles’Warren – who holds responsibility for Gleneagles’ four head chefs and kitchen teams – has been tasked with expanding the breadth and scope of the hotel’s culinary offering, whilst maintaining the hotel’s philosophy of using the best locally-sourced and seasonal produce.
The trio of new senior appointments is made up by Colin Farndon – previously Spa Director at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, Cumbria – who has taken up the new position of Gleneagles’ Director of Leisure.
Colin will implement a new leisure strategy, to maximise opportunities for guests to enjoy leisure activities on the 850-acre estate, including shooting and archery, falconry, fishing, gundog training, tennis and off-road driving.
Colin said: “For almost a hundred years, Gleneagles has been known the world over for its outstanding golf facilities – a reputation that is as richly deserved as it is firmly established – but now we want to truly celebrate how much broader our leisure offering really is.”
He added: “The hotel offers an unparalleled range of country pursuits and activities, which all ages can enjoy and with which very few other hotels across the globe can compete.
Colin Farndon, Director of Leisure, Gleneagles’“I look forward to raising this enviable profile and encouraging guests from all over the world to come and experience our glorious playground of fun and adventure.”
“Conor, Warren and Colin bring with them an outstanding range of skills and valued experience in the industry, which will help us advance our ambitious vision for enhancing the Gleneagles offering and the guest experience,” said Paul Heery, Gleneagles’ General Manager.
He added: “All three excelled in their previous roles, and bring strong leadership qualities, an international approach to operations, and the ability to enhance the customer journey through innovation.
“This is a tremendously exciting time for Gleneagles, with our investment programme already well underway, and these three roles will be critical to the business – ensuring we build on our existing success and forge new opportunities to strengthen our position as one of the leading hotels of the world.”