Former McDonald's boss named CEO of Warner Leisure Hotels

Paul Pomroy, the former chief executive of McDonald's UK, has been appointed chief executive of Warner Leisure Hotels.

He has almost 30 years' experience in the industry, having worked extensively at McDonald's, where he was also chief restaurant officer and corporate senior vice president, international operated markets.

In his new role, he will spearhead Warner Leisure Hotels' expansion programme, which saw the group acquire the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club (pictured) near Edinburgh and the Forest of Arden Country Club near Birmingham last year.

The company now has 18 hotels in its portfolio, all of which are located by the coast or near the countryside and operate an adults-only policy.

Bourne Leisure, the parent company of Warner Leisure Hotels, was acquired by the world's biggest private equity firm, Blackstone, in 2021.

Blackstone has since invested £450m across the group's holiday parks and hotels, with £120m dedicated to renovating and expanding Warner Leisure's portfolio.

Pomroy said: "I am thrilled to be joining Warner at an exciting time, as the brand continues to propel its growth strategy and build on its compelling short break proposition."

Paul Flaum, chief executive of Bourne Leisure, added: "I believe Paul is extremely well placed to take the company into this next chapter, and I look forward to working closely with him and the broader teams to drive ongoing success."

Bourne Leisure was founded in 1964 and also operates the Haven and Butlin's holiday parks.