Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, one of the UK’s largest independent hotel groups, has appointed experienced hotelier, John Philipson as regional managing director for the M25 region as well as new general managers at its Windsor and Marlow hotels.
Philipson will oversee four of the Group’s 48 hotels. They include four red-star Macdonald Compleat Angler in Marlow, and Macdonald Windsor Hotel and four-star Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa in Camberley and Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa in Ascot.
During his 26-year career in the hospitality industry, John Philipson has held senior positions at luxury hotels across the world including The Lowry Hotel in Manchester and The Balmoral in Edinburgh. Most recently, John was Regional Vice President at the Six Senses Resorts & Spa in Oman, responsible for properties in Jordan, the Maldives and Seychelles. John is part of the Master Innholders organisation where he won a scholarship to Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, to study management in 2002.
John said: “Each Macdonald Hotels property is unique, with individual charm and character. I’m looking forward to developing these properties to be the best in the region, and known for their quality, attention to detail and personalised service.
“I will also work with the spas, health clubs and restaurants within the hotels so they are known for the outstanding quality they offer in their own right.”
Joining John at Macdonald Hotels is Gavin Webster and Philip Lewis who have been appointed as general managers at four red-star Macdonald Compleat Angler and Macdonald Windsor, respectively.
Gavin Webster has 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry most recently with the De Vere Group, where he was general manager of Milton House Hotel in Oxfordshire. At Macdonald Compleat Angler, Gavin aims to add a personal touch to the hotel, focusing on creating memorable experiences for all guests.
Gavin said: “It’s an honour to be chosen to manage this iconic hotel which has such a superb reputation within the Home Counties. I am excited by the prospect of working with the Macdonald Group, my wonderful team and the potential future plans we have for the Compleat Angler.”
“Macdonald Compleat Angler already holds a special place in my heart as this is where my wife and I chose to spend our honeymoon 16 years ago and as I already live in the community, I’m looking forward to developing my knowledge and contacts to further engage with the local community.”
Philip Lewis, also a member of the Master Innholders organisation, moves to Macdonald Hotels from the Laslett Hotel in Notting Hill. Prior to this, Philip has worked as a general manager at a number of Hotel Du Vin properties in the south of England.
Philip wants to create a genuine ‘home away from home’ feel for guests at the Windsor hotel. He said: “The Macdonald Windsor is a much loved hotel in the town and I feel very fortunate to be taking over such a prestigious property that holds so much affection from locals and overseas visitors alike.”
Simon Beynon has also joins the team as the new director of sales for the M25 region. Simon previously worked for Accor UK & Ireland where he was awarded an outstanding achievement for revenue generation and joins the Group from Thomas Lyte, a luxury sporting trophies and awards company. Simon will oversee sales budgets for the four hotels in the region.
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and operates over 45 hotels across the UK and ten resorts in both the UK, Spain and Portugal.