The Pig hotels names new chief executive as Tom Ross departs

The Pig hotels has named a new chief executive as Tom Ross prepares to step down after two years in the role.

Ross, who has been with the business for 12 years and took over as chief executive in 2023, is leaving to pursue “new opportunities”.

He will be succeeded by Kevin Styles, who will join on 21 July from a chief executive role at Honest Burgers and previously led Jamie Oliver Group.

Ross will move into a strategic advisory role to ensure a seamless transition, a statement from the Pig said.

It is the latest change in the Pig’s senior team after HR director Steve Rockey left the business after nearly nine years earlier this year.

“The Pig is a brand that I have long admired, and I am deeply honoured to join as chief executive, working alongside a senior leadership team with over 50 years of combined service at the Pig,” said Styles.

“With a relentless commitment to the highest quality design, culinary experiences and service for our valued guests from around the world, the Pig continues to set the standard for boutique hospitality. True hospitality, the kind that authentically makes every guest feel seen, understood and cared for, is what sets the Pig apart, and it’s more important than ever today. 

“I am grateful to Tom for everything that he has done to lay the foundation for this next chapter, and I look forward to working with the fantastic team at the Pig to keep pushing boundaries and creating lasting value for our guests, our people and our communities.”

Ross worked at Hotel du Vin before joining the Pig in 2013 to head up its opening near Bath.

He took a broader role at the business after founders Robin and Judy Hutson stepped back from the Pig at the end of last year.

“Leading the Pig and being a part of this family over the past decade has been a tremendous privilege, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished together,” said Ross.

“Kevin shares the Pig’s values, commitment to authenticity and passion for exceptional hospitality and fostering unique guest experiences. I am confident the Pig will continue to grow its collection and reach new heights under his leadership.”

The Pig’s first site opened in the New Forest in 2011, and it has grown to nine boutique hotels and a pub across the south of England.

Private equity firm KSL Capital Partners took a stake in the business in 2022, and the group is eyeing further expansion.

Plans have been put in for the Pig at Groombridge place in Kent, which will see £20m invested into turning a 17th-century manor house into a 56-bedroom hotel and spa. An initial opening date was set for 2026, but Ross told The Caterer earlier this year it had been held back by planning red tape.

The planned 2025 launch of the Pig on the Farm, a 16th-century stone manor house set in 53 acres of land near Stratford-Upon-Avon, has been similarly delayed.

Home Grown Hotels, the company behind the Pig, posted turnover of £49.9m in 2023 with pre-tax profits of £2.2m