Susan Bland promoted to managing director at RBH

Independent hotel management company RBH has promoted Susan Bland as managing director to oversee operations across the business, as well as continuing to look after its commercial side.

Bland steps into the role with immediate effect, having previously worked as the company's chief operations support officer, during which time she was responsible for multiple operating functions including commercial, leisure, spa, procurement, F&B, IT and HR. Based in the company's Glasgow office, she brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role, nine of which have been spent with RBH. She has also been chair of the Hospitality Employers Group (HEG) for the last three years.

Bland said she was "thrilled" to take on the new role as managing director. She commented: "As I have risen through the ranks, I have been lucky enough to learn about all aspects of the industry from – and be inspired by – some of the best in the business, both before and during my time at RBH.

"I hope I can inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders – particularly women who aspire to make their mark across the sector. Thanks to my involvement in HEG, that's something I'm exceptionally passionate about."

RBH, which manages a collection of more than 45 branded and private label hotel properties, rebranded from Redefine|BDL Hotels in 2018. The company recently took on the management of the Crown Hotel Harrogate and has announced it will be opening new properties in Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester with the Hilton brand over the coming months.