Shangri-La at the Shard appoints new GM to replace Darren Gearing
Paul Brackley is to replace Darren Gearing as general manager of the 202-bedroom Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, in London.
Brackley, who was previously managing director of the Beaumont hotel in Mayfair, has over 30 years' experience in the world of hospitality, having worked in several five-star hotels in UK and US.
His appointment comes after Gearing, executive vice president and manager, decided to take some time off. He is thought to be considering doing something of his own in the future, although he is not believe to have any set plans yet. Gearing joined the group in 1990. As executive vice president his portfolio included Europe, North America, India and the Middle East. Prior to his most recent role, he was vice president and general manager at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, overseeing Hong Kong, Beijing and Inner Mongolia.
Meanwhile, Brackley was responsible for opening the 73-room five-star Beaumont hotel.
Previous management positions held in hotels primarily based in London, included general manager with InterContinental Hotel Group at Crowne Plaza London - The City, and general manager with Taj Hotels Palaces & Resorts at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites & Residences (86 luxury suites & apartments) and the St James Court Hotel (342 rooms).
"I am delighted to be joining Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London as general manager at this exciting time, with the hotel further strengthening its position in London's competitive market," said Brackley.
"I look forward to working with the team to deliver the world-renowned Shangri-La service and premium standards of luxury to our discerning guests and partners."
In addition to his current role, Brackley holds the position of tustee and executive council member at the Institute of Hospitality. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality (FIH) a Master Innholder (MI), and founder friend of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. He has also supported Oxford Brookes University's Bacchus Mentoring Programme since its inception.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 98 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 40,000.
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