New chief executive for Jarvis Hotels

Jarvis Hotels has appointed Steve Hebborn as chief executive with immediate effect.

Hebborn, 37, was finance director at the company and an executive director of Kayterm, the holding company of Jarvis Hotels.

He joined the company in August 2004 from outside the industry, after heading finance teams in large transport and IT companies.

Jarvis chairman John Jarvis said: "Steve has made a great impact on the company since joining us 18 months ago and is an ideal choice to manage the next phase of our development."

Hebborn replaces Richard Thomason, who quit the company last September, purportedly over the suspension of sale plans.

Thomason had conducted a management buyout for the company with John Jarvis in 2003, returning it to private ownership.

Jarvis has more than 45 owned and leased hotels in the UK, most of which carry the Ramada name and operate in the three- to four-star category.

The company has also announced a £1m refurbishment of the Ramada Mount Royal Hotel on Princes Street, Edinburgh. Starting this month, it will cover the property's bedrooms, bar and restaurant.

By Chris Druce

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