Jonathan Slater to step down as MD of the Chester Grosvenor
Jonathan Slater is to retire as managing director of the five-AA-star, 80-bedroom Chester Grosvenor at the end of March 2015, after 30 years in the role.
Speaking of stepping down, Slater describe his tenure at the top of one of the North West's most iconic hotels as "an enormous privilege" and praised the support of his team during what has been an exceptionally successful career.
"I turned 60 last year and we received a Michelin star for the 25th consecutive year. 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the hotel and so this seemed to me to be a fitting year in which to step down and hand over a hotel that is in such a strong position."
Slater, who was named Catey Manager of the Year in 2002, joined the hotel at the age of 28 as general manager and three years later was promoted to managing director. He has managed two substantial refurbishments of the hotel, including a £12m transformation of the property in 1987, and has played an active role in promoting the city of Chester and the surrounding region to a global audience.
Recent improvements to the hotel overseen by Slater include the installation of a new kitchen and reconfiguration of the existing La Brasserie.
A founder director of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Slater spent 21 years on the board, including nine as chairman. He is a director of Marketing Cheshire and CH1 BID, the agency which is focused on improving the city's infrastructure.
Jeremy Newsum, executive trustee of the hotel's owner Grosvenor Estate, said: "Jonathan has established an international reputation, both for the hotel and for himself as an hotelier. We are enormously grateful to him for his contribution over so many years."
Slater will remain involved with the Grosvenor Estate in a strategic consultancy role and he will also continue his association with Oddfellows in Chester, the 18-bedroom boutique hotel managed by the Chester Grosvenor. A second Oddfellows is to be developed in a Victorian property in Cheadle, South Manchester.
An announcement regarding succession will be made nearer the time of Slater's retirement.
