London's Claridge's hotel has appointed Sylvain Ercoli as its new general manager.

Claridge's owner, the Maybourne Hotel Group, have recruited Ercoli from the Taittinger-family-owned Hotel Martinez in Cannes.

He has previously worked at Byblos St Tropez and at le Touessrok and Le Saint Geran on Mauritius. He has also worked at the Hotel Ritz and the George V in Paris.

Ercoli said: "Claridge's is recognised internationally as one of the best hotels in the world. I am delighted to be joining the team of such a highly respected establishment and to be moving to London, the most vibrant and exciting of cities."

In a separate move, Nicholas Rettie has revealed he will leave the Great Eastern hotel, also in London, following its take-over by Hyatt last week.

A replacement general manager has not yet been named.

Rettie, who will leave the Great Eastern hotel in March, said: "I shall be taking some time off to consider my next move."

By Emily Manson

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.