Richard Lewis leaves Interchange & Consort Hotels
Richard Lewis, the chief executive of Best Western Great Britain's parent brand Interchange & Consort Hotels has resigned.
Lewis will leave the business on 31 March, according to an announcement from the company, which also owns the Beacon Purchasing brand.
Rob Payne, the chief commercial officer of the company has taken on the role of interim chief executive officer with immediate effect, while the search for a new chief executive gets underway.
In a statement, Interchange & Consort Hotels said: "The board of Interchange & Consort Hotels has officially placed on record their appreciation and thanks to Richard for all his work and achievements for the brand during his tenure.
"Over the past three years, Richard has enhanced the quality standards throughout every facet of the organisation. In doing so he has developed and strengthened the profile, image and reputation of the Beacon and Best Western brands in Great Britain."
Lewis joined Interchange & Consort in 2011. He has nearly 40 years' experience in the hospitality and travel industries, having previously worked as managing director of the Preferred Hotel Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa; chief operating office of WorldRes; vice-president hotel distribution, Turner Broadcasting CNN International; and international marketing operations director, Forte and Le Meridien Hotels.
