Jonathan Walker joins Bath's newest boutiqe hotel as general manager
Jonathan Walker, a resident of Bath, will oversee the launch of what will be a 31-bedroom hotel with cocktail bar, private dining room, sitting rooms and small spa on one of the city's most renowned Georgian streets.
He had previously spent 11 months with the Hotel Collection, leaving in December 2015, just prior to the announcement that the 10-strong portfolio was to be sold by owners Lone Star Funds. Earlier in his career, Walker worked for InterContinental Hotels Group, most recently as director of hotel performance and operations support.
Walker said he was "thrilled" about his new appointment. "This is really a dream project - as both a member of the local community and a hotelier - with so much potential. I am looking forward to working closely with the team, local residents and the people of Bath to create something really special for the city."
Ian Taylor, who acquired the hotel with his wife Christa in March off a guide price of £4.5m, added: "We are really pleased to have Jonathan on board for this exciting opening. His experience in working with well-known British hotels including the Lygon Arms, Cotswolds, combined with 20 years of living locally, will be invaluable. It is incredibly important that we have the very best team possible in place and I have every confidence that Jonathan will lead from the front."
Due to open in September, No 15 Great Pulteney will join sister properties, the 60-bedroom Abbey hotel and the 20-bedroom Villa Magdala.
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