Leading UK and Irish hotel group, Jurys Inn, has announced the appointment of Andy Besent as Head of Sales for the Group.
Andy will play a key role in continuing Jurys Inn’s successes and enhancing its strong brand and market position across the UK and Ireland.
Following the recent launch of the integrated Stay Happy brand repositioning and marketing campaign, Andy will concentrate on maximising the Group’s growth through direct to consumer channels.
He will be responsible for overseeing the continued expansion of all sales initiatives across the Jurys Inn portfolio, including the management and supervision of the regional sales managers.
With over 7,300 rooms across 36 hotels (31 hotels in the UK, four in Ireland and one in Prague), Amaris Hospitality, the hotel group that owns and manages Jurys Inn, has invested a significant amount over the last 24 months rebranding, renovating and extending the Jurys Inn portfolio.
In his new role, Andy will also focus on driving the Group’s growth in the M&E market, which grew by 61% over the last year with 215,000 sq. ft of space added following significant investment.
Based in Watford and reporting directly to Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Jurys Inn, Andy brings more than 20 years experience in sales into the new role, most recently as Managing Director at HRS UK where he was responsible for creating new opportunities to continue the growth path of the company. He has a strong track record in the hospitality industry, previously as Sales Director at Travelodge, in addition to holding senior sales positions at InterContinental Hotels Group and Guoman & Thistle Hotels.
Commenting on the appointment, Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Jurys Inn, said: “Andy is a great addition to the Jurys Inn team and brings a fresh perspective that will help us to drive sales and growth across the Group. He has a vast experience in the hospitality sector, and has in-depth expertise in sales and portfolio management. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to deliver growth across the UK and Ireland.”
Andy Besent, said: “I am delighted to join a company with an exceptionally strong brand, modern well-invested portfolio and high quality service offering to guests. I’m very much looking forward to working with Jason Carruthers and the rest of the team and helping Jurys Inn continue its strategy to drive superior growth and performance across the Group.”
In May, Jurys Inn launched a £2.9m brand repositioning and marketing campaign with a fresh brand promise – “Stay Happy”. The campaign is currently bring rolled out across TV, VOD and digital media and accompanied by social, CRM and in-hotel activity.
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