MWB Group Holdings Plc. Announces Robert Cook To Step Down

Released on: October 19, 2011, 3:35 pm
Author: MWB Group Holdings Plc.
Industry: Travel

MWB Group Holdings Plc. ("MWB" or the "Group"), the listed hotels and serviced offices holding company, has announced that Robert Cook, Chief Executive of the Group's award-winning boutique hotels business, is to leave the business to pursue new opportunities.

Robert has been head of the Group's boutique hotel company Malmaison and Hotel du Vin since 2004 when he re-joined the business as Chief Executive of Malmaison. Later the same year he worked closely with the Group Board to double the size of the boutique hotel business through the acquisition of Hotel du Vin which took the collection of luxury hotels to 15.

Since then the management team has focused on growing and developing the business, making it the UK’s leading lifestyle hotel group with 26 boutique hotels and two stand-alone restaurants.

Richard Balfour-Lynn, CEO of MWB, said: "Over an eight year period Robert, working closely with MWB’s executive management team, has helped drive the growth of the Malmaison and Hotel du Vin brands throughout the UK and together we have developed the business into one of the country’s foremost boutique hotel groups.

"However, we understand Robert's desire to seek new challenges and equally it is the right time for a successor with a new perspective to ensure the brands maintain their cutting edge approach to hospitality and to lead Malmaison's entry into the international market.

"The successful refinancing of the Malmaison Group, combined with an established and strong operating team within the brands, provides a great platform for growth in the future and we are optimistic over the medium-term for the success of our business."

Robert Cook, commented: "It has been a truly exciting and rewarding journey over the past eight years. I believe I am leaving a business that is in great financial shape, has a fantastic team of people and two brilliant brands. I think the time is now right to move on to something new while bringing in a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas will help to develop the business further as well as refresh the brands."

About Hotel Du Vin:
Hotel du Vin think quintessential British style. Hotel du Vin combines an elegant and unpretentious style with an unquestionable devotion to wine. The hotel offers fourteen converted spaces, including a Georgian townhouse, a brewery, and a hospital, all eclectically furnished in a timeless manner. Guests can enjoy a trademark hotel bistro serving outstanding, locally sourced produce from its new homegrown and local menu, an outstanding cellar, Egyptian linen and monsoon showers in the guest rooms, a Laroche tasting room for the wine-lover, a cigar shack in its gardens, and inspiring original art in its halls.

About Malmaison:
Malmaison offers twelve boutique hotels in the UK, all featuring super slinky rooms and suites, with super-fast broadband. Guests can enjoy visiting the high-octane bars stocked with cocktails and bubbly within the hotels and can dine on the best local produce in the hotel restaurants.

PR Contact:
Richard Balfour-Lynn
CEO
MWB
1 West Garden Place
Kendal Street
London
W2 2AQ
020 7706 2121

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