Charles Prew steps down as chief executive of Barceló UK
Charles Prew is to step down as chief executive of Barceló UK, the 21-strong chain of four-star hotels, with immediate effect. He will now take up a 12-month non-executive director role for the parent company, the privately owned Spanish Barceló Group.
Prew, who became chief executive of Paramount Hotels in 2004 and remained at the helm of the company when Barceló signed a 45-year lease in 2007 to manage and rename the chain, said that the time is right for him to seek new and broader challenges.
"I intend to take up a small number of non-executive positions following an enjoyable seven years in total (four with Paramount Hotels and three with Barceló UK) as executive director," he explained.
"I will continue to focus on my role as a trustee of People 1st and board member of the National Skills Academy."
Raul Gonzalez, chief executive for Europe, Middle East and Africa of the Barceló Group, will now take over direct responsibility for the Barceló business in the UK and bring it into the European portfolio.
"Barceló UK's two regional directors, Peter Montague and Paul Harnedy, together with the rest of the executive team will report directly to me," said Gonzalez. "We continue to have exciting plans for the UK, not the least of which is to find an iconic London hotel to match some of our other destination hotels in capital cities."
Gonzalez went on to thank Prew for his considerable contribution to the business in the UK and his talented and enthusiastic service over the last three years.
"He has steered Barceló UK through some of the most difficult times in recent economic history and helped Barceló to make its mark upon the UK hospitality industry."
Barcelo UK currently has 21 four-star hotels across the UK, including the Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire; Billesley Manor, near Stratford-upon-Avon; and the Imperial Hotel, Torquay.
Catersearch.com 100 - Charles Prew >>
Charles Prew - A Minute on the Clock >>
Barcelo Majestic in Harrogate reopens after major fire >>
By Janet Harmer
E-mail your comments to Janet Harmer here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
|