:
UK: Eric Kortenbach, has been appointed as operations director for a portfolio of four country hotels.
The properties are Doxford Hall, Eshott Hall and Guyzance Hall, in Northumberlandas and Dalhousie Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Kortenbach has more than 30 years’ experience in the hotel industry and joins after seven years as GM of Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle. In his newly created role, Kortenbach will work closely with the management team to develop all of the properties in terms of service and customer care, as well as assisting in optimising financial performance.
“This is a very special collection of hotels. The properties are diverse and all have history and heritage. I want to see them remain independent destinations in their own right, laces that people really want to visit, stay, relax in and enjoy, for what they uniquely offer. The greatest challenge will be getting everyone to think beyond their own individual remit, and look at the hotels and themselves as a part of the wider industry,” he said.
Talking about the hotel portfolio, Kortenbach said: “Doxford Hall, with 31 luxurious bedrooms, is close to both Alnwick and Bamburgh. It is a grand Georgian House with banqueting and conference facilities for up to 300 guests and extensive spa and leisure facilities. Eshott Hall, near Morpeth, has 11 bedrooms and offers a truly intimate country house experience for both business and leisure guests. Guyzance Hall, with its towering turrets and sweeping driveways, is available on an exclusive use basis and is a wonderful house to hire for a weekend with friends and family, weddings or corporate pursuits. Dalhousie Castle offers everything that you would expect from an historic Scottish Castle; the finest food, wonderful accommodation and extensive banqueting rooms in the most beautiful of settings.”
Robert Parker, who owns the four hotels, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Eric as operation director. With over 30 years working in the hospitality industry at the highest level, I know that Eric will bring out the best in all of the properties and the people who work within them. He is extremely well thought of within the industry and brings with him a wealth of experience and ideas for taking the individual properties and the business as a whole forward.”
