Claridge's chooses Cowdray for top job

Claridge's has appointed Christopher Cowdray as its third general manager in eight months.

Cowdray, who takes over the running of the top London hotel on 16 July, was previously general manager of the Churchill Inter-Continental, London, for five years.

He started his career in his native Zimbabwe before moving to England in 1983.

He went on to work in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Australia and Oman.

Savoy Group managing director Ramón Pajares said he was delighted to welcome Cowdray to Claridge's. "I am sure Christopher Cowdray has all the necessary experience and leadership skills to spearhead it to the 21st century," he said.

Last November François Touzin, who had worked for the Savoy Group for eight years, left his post as general manager of Claridge's to spend more time with his family.

He was replaced by Seamus McManus, who joined the luxury hotel in February from the Mandarin hotel in Hawaii. McManus left in May to care for his seriously ill wife.