Jurys Inns Hotels names new non-executive chairman

Jurys Inns hotels has named Brian Collie to succeed Barbara Cassani as non-executive chairman of the group.

Collie was formerly a board director of BAA as well as chairman of lastminute.com and a non-executive director of Jurys Doyle Hotels Group.

Cassani took on the new role of executive chairman of Jurys Inns in April 2008, which was created after the private equity firm Quinlan Private bought the group.

She was responsible for the fastest period of expansion in the group’s history; opening nine new hotels, including its first in Europe adding 1,400 rooms and creating 700 jobs.

Jurys Inns CEO John Brennan commented: “Barbara has made a lasting contribution to the transformation of Jurys Inns. Her leadership during extremely challenging economic conditions leaves the business energised, focussed and confident that it can continue to outperform the market as the economy recovers.

He added: “Brian brings a wealth of business and leisure industry experience to help sustain the substantial progress we are making.”

Jurys Inn boss to leave in ‘a few weeks’ >> 

Jurys Inn sells 50% stake to Middle Eastern investors >>

Jurys Inns to appoint a new chief executive by mid-March 2009 >>

Quinlan Private buys Jurys Inn chain in £791m deal >>

By Emily Manson

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