Highland Coast Hotels announces appointment of new chief executive
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Highland Coast Hotels has announced it has appointed a new chief executive.
The company, which operates five hotels in Sutherland and one in Wester Ross, said hospitality veteran Guy Crawford is to take up the top post from April 6.
"He will lead the business into the next phase of its development and expansion," said a spokesman.
The firm's current chief executive and founder Roddy Watt is to step back from involvement in day-to-day operations and "focus on the development of the business through investment and acquisition". He will remain on the firm's board as development director.
Mr Crawford has had long experience in the hospitality industry and has developed and run some of the world's most exclusive luxury hotels.
His is a former chief executive and board member of Jumeirah Hospitality Group, Dubai; managing director of Forte Heritage Hotels; and managing director of Le Meridien Africa, Caribbean and Indian Ocean.
A Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, he is an non-executive board member of the Indian Hotels Company, Taj Group; Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland; and Emirates Hotel Academy in the United Arabs Emirates.
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For Mr Crawford, the appointment represents a return to his roots.
His grandparents and parents were hotel owners and managers in in Forres, Nairn, Grantown-on-Spey, Aviemore and Craigellachie. His wife Elizabeth is originally from Barra in the Western Isles.
He said: "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.
“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.”
Highland Coast Hotels chairman David Whiteford said: “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.
“We’re thrilled that he has agreed to join our team and look forward to Highland Coast Hotels continuing to grow its positive contribution to tourism, community and the North Highland economy.”
Created in April 2021, Highland Coast Hotels runs the Kylesku Hotel; the Newton Lodge Hotel, Kylesku; the Royal Marine Hotel, Brora; the Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch; and the Tongue Hotel as well as the Plockton Inn.
The Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn will re-open to visitors in April following extensive renovations.
For more information on Highland Coast Hotels, visit: www.highlandcoasthotels.com and follow on social media:
