New leaders as hotels open

Alex Dallocchio is joining The Westin London City as general manager to lead the team at the 222-room property as Westin Hotels and Resorts debuts in the UK with its opening in September.

He brings with him a wealth of experience in both European and North American markets, and has previously managed the Beverly Hills Marriott, Embassy Suite Las Vegas, and The Declan Suites in San Diego in a 20 years plus career.

After serving in Italian Army Special Forces, Dallocchio launched his hospitality career in his hometown of Milan at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, following which he began to expand his experience globally, cultivating a diverse and enviable hospitality portfolio.

Among other top appointments is that of Ed Richardson to the role of hotel manager at The Belfry Hotel and Resort. He joins from Fairmont St Andrews Scotland. Previous appointments include at Shangri-La Pudong Shanghai, Hyatt Regency Coolum, Australia and Jeddah’s Waldorf Astoria.

The July opening of the new Mondrian Shoreditch sees David Lockhart leading the team as general manager following a move from The Ned, where he had been manager for three years. Previous experience at Soho Hotel and Ham Yard and then Shoreditch House ensures he knows what makes this area of the capital ‘tick’ and what guests seek. The new Mondrian has been subject to an extensive redesign and overhaul in recent months, having previously operated as The Curtain Hotel.

Suzanne Graham Speak has been appointed city general manager, heading up operations at Radisson BLU Hotel Manchester Airport and Park Inn by Radisson Manchester. Previous roles include at Hilton, Marriott and DeVere, and most recently at the Bolton Whites Hotel. Top of her new agenda is ensuring guests can truly enjoy returning to their hotels while having confidence in their safety as a result of the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol’s cleanliness and disinfection procedures.

At Accor, Cyril Bulvestre has started his role as general manager of the group’s new Novotel Cambridge North Hotel. He’s been with Accor since 2008, first working in Paris before moving to the GM role Novotel Liverpool Centre. Now he will head up a hotel with top-class conference facilities as well as a gym, pool, and restaurant.