MWB Group - General Appointment - UK,

Date: 12 Jan 2012

Gary Davis appointed new Chief Executive of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin (of MWB Group), joining from De Vere Group

MWB Group Holdings Plc, the hotels to serviced offices group, has appointed a new Chief Executive for its Malmaison and Hotel du Vin lifestyle boutique hotels business with immediate effect.

Gary Davis, 50, joins from the De Vere Group where he was Chief Executive of Village Hotels and was instrumental in the development of the brand over the past five years. Village Hotels has grown from 17 to 26 hotels and sales increased 55% to £170m since Gary became CEO in 2007. Additionally he was Joint Chief Executive of De Vere Hotels & Resorts, De Vere's prestige four and five star hotels business.

Gary has a wealth of international brand experience in the hospitality sector, having worked as a senior executive at Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, Grand Metropolitan and Kingdom Holding, with particular emphasis on food and beverage, a key element in the success of both Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. Combined with Gary's operational expertise and proven track record in sales and marketing, he will be bringing his extensive brand development experience to the Malmaison/Hotel du Vin group.

Gary Davis said: "Robert Cook (outgoing CEO) 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.

"I am looking forward to working with one of the best and most motivated management teams in the sector. 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.

Richard Balfour-Lynn, Chief Executive of MWB, 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."

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