Monday, February 24, 2020
L+R Hotels announced the appointment of Grant Campbell and Matthew Beard in two positions to run the management smooth. Grant Campbell joins Nobu Hotel London Portman Square as General Manager, whilst Matthew Beard – who held the role of pre-opening General Manager – is promoted to Managing Director and will be re-located to Strand Palace.
Opening in summer 2020, the 249-room Nobu Hotel London Portman Square will feature a signature Nobu Restaurant, bar and outdoor terrace, plus a 600-person ballroom, gym, wellness facilities and meeting spaces.
Grant Campbell joins the team at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square from Sanderson London (part of sbe Lifestyle Hospitality), where he led the strategic development of the hotel and the growth of the business, as well as overseeing his team to deliver excellent customer service for over six years.
Campbell brings to the role a wealth of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, including launch and rebranding expertise garnered from his time at Mint Hotel Group and Hilton, and a strong understanding of the luxury lifestyle space. A committee member of St. Julian Scholars, Campbell was also recently appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
In his new role, Grant Campbell will use his leadership skills and business acumen to drive forward success for the hotel at opening and beyond. On his recent appointment, Campbell commented that he is 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. He is very much looking forward to welcoming their first guests this summer.
With the appointment of Campbell, the pre-opening General Manager for Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, Mr Matthew Beard, will be moving to another flagship L+R Hotels property. Beard’s move to Strand Palace follows his promotion to Managing Director. Beard, who has been with the group for over three and a half years, oversaw the closure and refurbishment of the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. Beard has also held several senior positions in the UK prior to his work with L+R Hotels, including eight years as General Manager of InterContinental Hotels Group.
Beard succeeds current Managing Director, David MacRae, who has been with Strand Palace for 21 years and is heading into early retirement. David has led Strand Palace through substantial capital improvements and has consistently grown the profitability of the property, to become one of London’s most successful hotels.
On his new role at Strand Palace, Matthew Beard commented that he is 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 he is very excited to be at the helm of.
Located at 372 Strand, Strand Palace is undergoing a large-scale refurbishment, transforming it into a one of a kind lifestyle destination for business and leisure guests in the heart of the city. Inspired by the hotel’s art deco style, the new public spaces and new restaurant, Haxells, were already unveiled to the public in 2019. The transformation of all 785 guestrooms is due for completion by April 2020.
Desmond Taljaard, Managing Director, L+R Hotels commented that they are thrilled to have Grant join them. 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. They congratulate Matthew on his much-deserved promotion and continuing his career with them at Strand Palace.
Both appointments will strengthen L+R Hotels’ operational leadership to drive the sustained growth and performance of its properties in London.
