MACDONALD Hotels has appointed industry veteran Robert Cook as commercial director, in what the company's founder has described as "a significant coup".
The West Lothian-based group noted that Mr Cook had led the "impressive growth" of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin for nine years, before joining De Vere Group as chief executive in 2012.
Mr Cook cited his belief that Macdonald Hotels "has enormous potential for future growth".
Founder Donald Macdonald, who was an executive at hotels group Stakis before setting up his own company in 1990, said: "Like everyone in our industry, I've been hugely impressed with Robert's record of success over many years and we spoke soon after he became available last year.
"He has been working in our business as a consultant since January and it's clear he shares the board's excitement and ambition about our future plans. Our discussions to bring him on board permanently were very straightforward, and his appointment is a significant coup for us."
Macdonald Hotels, which is based in Bathgate, operates more than 50 properties in the UK, Spain and Portugal. It employs in excess of 4,000 people.
The company said that Mr Cook would report to Mr Macdonald, who is group chairman and chief executive.
It added that Mr Cook would work alongside deputy chairman and finance director Gordon Fraser and deputy chief executive Ruaridh Macdonald.
Mr Cook said: "I firmly believe that the business has enormous potential for future growth, thanks not only to its superb assets but also to the enthusiasm and ambition of the many, many talented people I've encountered at all levels of the company."
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