Marriott appoints new boss for Whitbread joint venture

US hotel company Marriott International has appointed a new regional vice-president to focus on the Whitbread-Marriott joint venture that was completed last week.

Jurgen Giesbert, has been named as executive vice-president for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa and will oversee the integration of the former Whitbread-owned hotels into the Marriott portfolio, and continue to expand the Marriott brand.

Giesbert, who has been with Marriott for nearly 25 years, will now oversee 96 hotels in 11 countries. His previous position was senior vice-president for Renaissance Hotels and Resorts in the USA.

Last month Whitbread announced the transfer of its franchised Marriott hotels business to a newly formed 50:50 joint venture with Marriott International.

Under the agreement, Whitbread received an initial payment of about £710m and 50% of the joint venture's ordinary and preferred share capital as well as deferred payment.