Watergate Bay Hotel in Newquay has appointed Simon Mahon as its new chief operating officer.

Mr Mahon, a seasoned hotelier with more than 30 years of experience, will oversee operations at Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place, SeaSpace, and Beach Retreats in Cornwall. 

He joins the team following a year of significant growth for the group, which included the opening of Another Place, The Machrie, The Brackenrigg Inn in Ullswater, and the launch of lifestyle aparthotel SeaSpace.

Mr Mahon, a master innholder, St Julian Scholar, and Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, comes from The Grand in York.

He will work with hotel directors, general managers, and teams to enhance guest experience, operational standards, team culture, and commercial performance.

Mr Mahon said: "Ultimately with the best hotel businesses it’s all about people, care, and a sense of place.

"I look for companies that have deep, authentic bonds with their location, people, and community, building on those bonds to create memorable moments for guests.

"In Watergate Bay, I see a set of businesses that understand sense of place through and through, are genuinely values-driven, and have true hospitality at their core.

"I can’t wait to get started."

(Image: Watergate Bay Hotel) Ben Harper, CEO, added: "In a landscape full of flux, 2024 has seen us double the size of our business and we have ambitious plans for further growth of all of our brands.

"We now want to take our operational delivery to the next level.

"Given his track record, Simon will do just that by providing inspirational leadership, new ways of thinking, and experience that will really take us places in 2025 and beyond."

Mr Mahon will take on his new role from November 4.

One of his first tasks will be recruiting a new general manager for Watergate Bay Hotel.