The chairman of Best Western Hotels GB, Tim Rumney, will take over from Rob Paterson later this month as interim chief executive.
Paterson, who joined BWH Hotel Group in 2018, has decided to leave the brand which represents almost 300 independently owned hotels in Great Britain.
Rumney, who has been chairman of the group’s board for five years and board member for 12 years, will be interim chief for at least six months, “providing stability and continuity for employees and hotels within the membership organisation”, said a statement.
The statement added: “Rob and Tim have worked together to guide the business through the most challenging times in its history.
“The group has worked tirelessly to champion the industry during the pandemic; supporting government and the NHS through various initiatives including converting hotels into hospitals during the peak of Covid 19, and pioneered housing keyworkers and vulnerable groups in their hotels to safely shield them from the virus.”
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During 2020, they appeared with other BW hoteliers in Channel 4’s A Great British Hotel Chain, which saw them generate record-breaking enquiry levels from hotels wanting to join the brand.
Rumney said: “It has been a pleasure working alongside Rob since 2018, where his commercial acumen and hospitality expertise has truly benefitted our brand portfolio.
“At a time where hospitality businesses are still suffering, I am proud to be stepping in as interim chief executive for the brand, to continue the great work Rob and his team have been doing throughout the pandemic, to best support our hotels.”
Earlier this year, the membership organisation reported a surge in new hotels, including the addition of World Hotels Distinctive Collection Ten Hill Place in Edinburgh, taking its total to almost 300 members.
Picture by Steven Barber.