Jurys Inn hotel group today named André Martinez as a Non-Executive Director. Former Chairman of Morgan Stanley’s Global Lodging division until 2009, André Martinez previously spent ten years with the Accor Group where he served as a member of the Accor Management Board, as CEO of Accor Economy Hotels and ultimately as CEO of Accor Hotels EMEA. As CEO of Accor EMEA, André was responsible for over €3.5bn in revenues and 65,000 employees. Prior to joining Accor, André was President and CEO of Société des Hotels Méridien in the 1990s.
André is a leading figure in the global hospitality field and a highly sought after advisor and contributor to industry affairs. In 2008 he chaired the International Hotels Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin; the IHIF being the most respected and well attended hospitality industry investment event in the world.
André’s appointment further strengthens the Board of Jurys Inn following the arrival of new Chairman Brian Collie in 2009.
Jurys Inn has recently undertaken an ambitious growth programme, opening a new hotel in Bradford in July and seven property openings in 2009 adding 1,000 rooms to the portfolio. Earlier this year, the group launched a new logo and classification – “Exceptional Everyday City Hotels” – and invested £9m in the repositioning of its hotels.
Jurys Inn’s Non-Executive Chairman, Brian Collie, commented: “To be in a position to welcome the former CEO of a major international brand and a leading industry figure in hospitality investment is a valuable boost to the business. André brings first class experience having operated at the highest levels of the industry and strongly complements the current Board membership.
André Martinez said: “I am excited about working with the investors, Board members, as well as the executive team led by CEO John Brennan to assist the transformation of the company as it takes advantage of the recovery in the hotel sector.”
Over the past year Jurys Inn has won a raft of awards including Best Independent Hotel Brand 2010 at the Business Travel Awards. The company was named the UK’s first green hotel group as recognised by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
For more information contact Margaret Street PR:Derek Harris +44 (0)777 916 4606 or e-mail
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