UK: Grant Campbell will join the Nobu property as general manager, whereas Matthew Beard, who held the role as pre-opening general manager, is promoted to managing director.
Campbell’s past experience involves helping to launch and rebrand properties under the Mint Hotel Group and Hilton. As a committee member of St. Julian Scholars, he was also recently appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
Commenting on his new role, Campbell said: “I am thrilled to join the team to open Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. The talent and expertise of both L+R Hotels and Nobu Hospitality coming together to launch this hotel is sure to make it a hallmark opening. I very much look forward to welcoming our first guests this summer.”
Beard, who has been with the L+R group for over three and a half years, will move to Strand Palace following his promotion to managing director.
Prior to overseeing the closure and refurbishment of Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, he held several senior positions in the UK including eight years as general manager at InterContinental Hotels Group.
Beard said: “I am delighted to be joining Strand Palace, an iconic London hotel rich in history. The completion of the refurbishment marks the beginning of a new era for the hotel; one of which I am very excited to be at the helm of. I am looking forward to bringing our brand’s vision of being London’s leading independent hotel to life.”
Strand Palace is currently undergoing a large-scale refurbishment. Inspired by the hotel’s Art Deco style, the new public areas and restaurant, Haxells, were unveiled last year. The transformation of all 785 guest rooms is due for completion by April 2020.
The 249-room Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is expected to open in summer 2020. It will feature a signature Nobu restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace, a 600-person ballroom, gym, wellness facilities and meeting spaces.
Desmond Taljaard, managing director at L+R Hotels, said: “We are thrilled to have Grant join us. He brings with him the right combination of operational, brand and commercial experience and extensive knowledge of the London hotel landscape. His strong leadership skills will also be invaluable in making the launch of Nobu Hotel London Portman Square a success. We congratulate Matthew on his much-deserved promotion and continuing his career with us at Strand Palace.”
