BWH Hotels strengthens leadership team

A hotel group representing more than 230 independent properties across Great Britain has made two senior appointments as it targets further growth.

BWH Hotels GB has appointed Gary Wallace as chief financial officer and Akshada Kodag as national sales manager for premium and extended stay.

Gary succeeds Adrian Burrows, who is retiring after more than 14 years as finance director and company secretary.

He joins with experience across listed, private equity-backed and privately owned businesses, most recently serving as chief financial officer at Time To ACT.

Gary said: “Good finance isn't about saying no, it’s about helping a business invest confidently where value can be created, while making sure risks are understood. 

“My focus will be on using data and commercial insight to support better decision-making, strengthen performance and create greater value for our portfolio of hotels.”

Akshada brings more than 20 years’ hospitality experience, having worked with brands including Kempinski, InterContinental, Hilton, Macdonald and Accor.

She will lead sales strategy across BWH’s premium and extended stay portfolio.

Akshada added: “Business travel is becoming much broader than the traditional overnight stay, with growing demand for longer, more flexible and experience-led trips. 

“Having worked in hospitality for more than 20 years across both operations and sales, I understand the industry from both sides. 

“I see a real opportunity to connect BWH’s premium and extended stay hotels with corporate buyers and specialist agencies looking for something beyond the standard business hotel.”

Their appointments come as BWH reports meetings and events revenue up ten per cent and business on the books 16 per cent higher year-on-year.

It has also signed 291 new bedrooms over the past 12 months as it continues to expand its Best Western and WorldHotels portfolio.

Tim Rumney, chief executive of BWH Hotels GB, added: “These appointments come at an important time for BWH Hotels GB. 

“Corporate travel and meetings & events continue to be key growth opportunities for our hotel partners and we’re seeing positive brand contribution across both.

“Gary and Akshada bring valuable experience in their respective areas and will play an important role as we build on this momentum, strengthen our premium and extended stay offering and continue delivering value for our members.”

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