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UK: Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of 21 country houses and coastal retreats, has appointed Andrew Stembridge as CEO of its luxury division.
Stembridge will join Hand Picked Hotels on 1 September 2026 and report to the board.
He most recently served as executive director of Iconic Hotels & Resorts, where he spent 22 years with the business. During this time, Stembridge oversaw the acquisition and repositioning of Cliveden House and The Lygon Arms, introduced treehouses at Chewton Glen, and launched The Mayfair Townhouse.
“Hand Picked Hotels is a remarkable collection of hotels which I have admired for many years,” said Stembridge. “With no two hotels quite the same, there is a tremendous opportunity to celebrate what makes each property in the luxury portfolio unique while continuing to evolve the guest experience in ways that feel authentic, relevant and distinctive for today’s guest. I am delighted to be joining Julia, Guy and the team at such an exciting point in the group’s development.”
Stembridge joins Hand Picked Hotels shortly after the recent appointments of Eugenio Pirri as chief culture officer and David Spooner as chief commercial officer.
The luxury division is one of three divisions within Hand Picked Hotels, alongside events and Channel Islands.
Julia Hands, chair of Hand Picked Hotels, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Andrew to Hand Picked Hotels. As well as being a deeply experienced luxury hospitality leader, he shares our belief in identifying and celebrating what makes each of our hotels special, from the distinct character of the properties to the memorable guest experiences and the people who bring each hotel to life every day.
“His appointment is part of our continued investment across Hand Picked Hotels, ensuring every part of the business has the leadership and specialist focus to build on its strengths and thrive.”
Highlights:
- Country house collection Hand Picked Hotels has appointed hospitality executive Andrew Stembridge as CEO of its dedicated luxury division.
- Joining the business on 1 September 2026, Stembridge brings 22 years of luxury experience following his executive tenure at Iconic Hotels & Resorts.
- Reporting to the board, the executive appointment coincides with strategic C-suite hires including Eugenio Pirri as chief culture officer and David Spooner as CCO.
- Operating alongside events and Channel Islands, the luxury segment encompasses part of the group’s UK portfolio of 21 historic regional hotel properties.
