Debrah Dhugga to leave Dukes London for new role at the Apartment Group

Debrah Dhugga, managing director of Dukes London and parent company Seven Tides is to step down from her role after 10 years.

She is to return to her native north east of England to join the board of the Apartment Group as chief operating officer in September.

The Apartment Group (TAG) owns and operates a 12-strong portfolio incorporating hotels, wedding venues, bars and restaurants in Northumberland, Newcastle and Sunderland.

During her time at the five-red-AA-star, 87-bedroom Dukes London, Dhugga has overseen a total refurbishment of the hotel, as well as launch a 560-bedroom sister property in Dubai.

She said that she will be sad to leave Dukes. "It has been a wonderful experience and I have so many fabulous memories, as well as worked with some amazing people."

Bin Sulayem, chief executive of Seven Tides, thanked Dhugga for her "commitment to the company" and wished her "every success in her new role".

In her new position, Dhugga will report to TAG founder Duncan Fisher and work with the team to oversee brand development, operations, and the group's "aggressive" expansion plans.

"I am very much looking forward to joining TAG and the new challenge it will bring as well as moving back to an area I am very passionate about," she said.

"TAG is at an exciting stage and while already a very successful business, I am excited to be involved in the new developments. This was too good an opportunity to turn down, yet hard to walk away from a business I have believed in and involved with for 10 years."

Fisher added: "Debrah is extremely talented with an unrivalled passion for the hospitality industry and we are thrilled and privileged to welcome her to the team. She has a proven track record of developing brands, as well as being incredibly focused on customer service and staff development. She will be a key component in helping TAG move into its next stage of growth."

TAG's portfolio includes Le Petit Chateau in Otterburn, and Newton Hall, near Alnwick.

Dhugga hopes to be able to announce her replacement at Dukes London in the coming weeks.

Dukes Collection opens in Dubai >>

The Apartment Group rescues Percy Arms from administration >>