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UK: Hotel and diner brand Mollie’s, part of Soho House, has named Matt Bell as its managing director, succeeding Darren Sweetland who will take a CFO role with Soho House.
Bell joins Mollie’s from citizenM where he served as chief hotel operating officer. Prior to this, other leadership roles include operations director at The Hospital Club and general manager at Seaham Hall.
With currently two UK locations open (Bristol and Oxford), Bell joins Mollie’s as the brand prepares to open its third site in Manchester.
Bell said: “I am delighted to join Mollie’s, a brand I have admired since its inception. It perfectly embodies my passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences through genuine connections and fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.
“This year will see the opening of the first city centre Mollies as part of the redevelopment of the Old Granada Studios in Manchester, an exciting time in the evolution of the Mollie’s brand. I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to build on the amazing work the team has already accomplished, and support Mollie’s in reaching its ambitious goals,” he said.
David Elghanayan, CEO of Mollie’s, added: ”We are thrilled to welcome Matt to Mollie’s. His proven track record in scaling operations, driving guest satisfaction, and leading sustainability initiatives makes him the ideal leader to help shape the future of Mollie’s. As we continue to grow and redefine the affordable luxury market, Matt’s expertise and strategic mindset will be invaluable.”
Bell succeeds Darren Sweetland who has been MD of Mollie’s for the past four years. Sweetland will take up the role of chief financial officer for UK, Europe and Asia at Soho House.
Sweetland said: “Soho House is an iconic global brand, defined by a vibrant community of members, an exceptional team, and strong partners. I’m thrilled to embark on this next chapter in my career with Andrew Carnie, Thomas Allen and the senior leadership team, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success.”
