MWB Group has appointed Gary Davis as the new chief executive of its Malmaison and Hotel du Vin hotels business.
Davis, 50, joins from the De Vere Group where he was chief executive of Village Hotels, which has grown from 17 to 26 hotels and sales increased 55% to £170m since 2007.
Additionally, he was joint chief executive of De Vere Hotels & Resorts, De Vere’s four- and five-star hotels business.
The appointment to replace Robert Cook, who announced he was stepping down in October, has been made with immediate effect.
Davis said: “Robert Cook has helped to create both a dynamic brand and a great team during his eight years at the helm of this fantastic boutique hotels business. It is a privilege to take over his mantle, cast a fresh eye over the brands and take the business on to the next stage of its development.
“As well as consolidating and growing their position in the UK we aim to take Mal and HdV into new markets with a dynamic and deliverable plan.
“A great brand has to keep moving and I aim to bring new drive to enrich the guest experience as well as maximising revenue through new income streams, growing market share and offering improved value. My key objective is to ensure that both Mal and HdV maintain their position as market leaders in innovation and service standards within the hospitality industry,” he added.
MWB group chief executive Richard Balfour-Lynn said: “I would like to thank Robert Cook, who I enjoyed working with enormously, for helping to develop Malmaison and HdV and I look forward to continuing the same positive relationship with Gary who will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the business.”
bridget.o’connell@estatesgazette.com
