Highland Coast Hotels has appointed hospitality industry veteran Guy Crawford as its new chief executive.
He is a former chief executive and board member of Jumeirah Hospitality Group in Dubai, managing director of Forte Heritage Hotels, and managing director of Le Meridien Africa, Caribbean and Indian Ocean.
Crawford was also a non-executive board member of the Indian hotel company Taj Group, the Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland, and the Emirates Hotel Academy in the UAE.
He will join Highland Coast Hotels from 6 April, leading the business into the next phase of its expansion.
Created in April 2021, the Scottish group is aiming to bring sustainable and community-led hospitality to the coastlines of the north Highlands.
Last year, the group relaunched the Royal Marine Brora hotel, while this year will see the introduction of two newly-refurbished properties. The Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn will re-open to visitors in April, following extensive renovations.
For Crawford, the appointment represents a return to his roots. His grandparents and parents were hotel owners and managers in the Highlands, including venues in Forres, Nairn, Grantown-on-Spey, Aviemore and Craigellachie. His wife is also originally from Barra in the Western Isles.
“The Scottish Highlands is not only one of the most beautiful corners of the earth, but the region holds so many personal family connections and memories for me. I’m passionate about enhancing local community life and sustainable tourism,“ he commented.
“I’m delighted to be joining the team at this time and look forward to the challenge of leading Highland Coast Hotels in the next phase of its development.”
David Whiteford, chairman at Highland Coast Hotels, added: “We’re incredibly fortunate to be welcoming Guy to Highland Coast Hotels - over the last four decades, he’s gained a global reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s most respected leaders.”
Current chief executive Roddy Watt will step back from involvement in day-to-day operations and focus on development of the business through investment and acquisition, remaining on the board as development director.
Since 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired several of the region’s landmark hotels: Kylesku Hotel, Newton Lodge, the Royal Golf Hotel and the Royal Marine Hotel.
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