Paul Cookson appointed general manager at Oddfellows
Paul Cookson, former general manager of the Chester Grosvenor, has moved to the same role at the city's Oddfellows hotel.
The move reunites Cookson with Jonathan Slater, who is overseeing the expansion of the boutique Oddfellows brand after spending 30 years as managing director of the Chester Grosvenor, from where he retired in March.
With over 20 years' experience working in hotels, Cookson spent the past 11 at the Chester Grosvenor, initially as director of events and director of operations before being appointed general manager in 2014.
He said that moving to Oddfellows marked a welcome new direction in his career. "I will be leaving the five-star sector to join one of the new breed of hotels; those that aren't defined by stars or corporations.
"Oddfellows is a truly independent hotel group, both in spirit and ownership, and celebrates personality and individuality. I'm working with a fantastic, enthusiastic and talented team and I can't wait for the adventure to begin."
Cookson replaces Sarah Dougherty who was general manager at Oddfellows Chester since 2012. She is leaving to join her husband Phil Dougherty in his outside catering business, Dougherty & Allen.
"Oddfellows has been a wonderful journey," she said. "I started as GM when Jonathan Slater was masterminding the refurbishment and addition of 14 new bedrooms, I've never worked with a more dedicated team and I'll miss the people hugely."
Slater added that Doughterty had done an "outstanding" job in achieving high occupancy with happy guests at Oddfellows.
"I'm thrilled Paul Cookson has come on board. I'm looking forward to continuing an extremely successful working relationship as the Oddfellows family of hotels grows."
Oddfellows Hotels is owned by two brothers, one of whom is a surgeon and the other a chief financial officer.
Second Oddfellows given go-ahead in Cheadle >>Jonathan Slater to step down as MD of the Chester Grosvenor >>Chester Grosvenor to take over management of boutique hotel Oddfellows >>Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>
Latest video from The Caterer
