Focus Hotels Management has appointed Stephen Cresswell to lead the strategic operations of the portfolio as it continues to drive strong performance following Q1 successful results.

Stephen brings over 30 years of industry experience as he takes up this newly created role.

Stephen chose a career in hospitality after a first taste of the industry during a summer placement.

He went on to be the youngest person to be appointed as a General Manager within the DeVere group where he spent a decade perfecting his management skills.

His career continued with Corus and Regal Hotels, Choice Hotels International and the award-winning Mint Hotels (formerly City Inn) with his most recent role as a Regional General Manager at the Village Hotel Group.

Steve said: “There is no doubt the pandemic has hit industry hard but hospitality, through the dedication of its people, has always been resilient and that was particularly evident at Focus Hotels.

“Focus found ways to engage with their teams on furlough while using the time wisely to plan and come back stronger once lockdown restrictions were lifted. The recently announced Delta by Marriott management contract is an example of that strength.”

Together with Commercial Director Sarah Monk, he will drive the continued commercial success of the business. Stephen will be tasked with building operational excellence across the portfolio in tandem with the General Managers, setting ambitious targets in order to deliver further stakeholder value.

He said: “Focus Hotels has a diverse portfolio of assets under its management, and I am looking forward to working with the senior team, engaging with the various brands and hotel teams to drive best-in-class performance.

“Consumer expectations continue to grow, and we must embrace the world of technology to drive efficiencies, increase standards and exceed customer expectations to deliver premium returns whilst developing relationships for further expansion.’’

Lynn Hood, Chief Operating Officer of Focus Hotels, said: “This is a new chapter for Focus Hotels Management and this role is key to our continued success.

“Stephen will reshape our operations in a post pandemic setting, driving a dynamic commercial and operational focus and give us plenty of scope for additional hotel businesses in need of expert support, to join the portfolio.

“We are excited to welcome someone of his calibre to the group as we progress with our plans for expansion.”