Exclusive: Simon Franks to take over as general manager at Gidleigh Park

Simon Franks is to take the reins as general manager at Gidleigh Park in October following the departure of Paul Shanahan.

The Caterer broke the news earlier today that Shanahan will be joining the five-AA-star, 49-bedroom Vineyard hotel in Stockcross, Berkshire as general manager, departing the five-red-AA-star, 26-bedroom Gidleigh Park in Chagford, Devon after two years.

Franks (pictured right, with Andrew Brownsword) joins from Buckland Manor in Broadway, Worcestershire, another Andrew Brownsword hotel. He is the group's longest-serving general manager, accumulating 20 years at the hotel with some time at the group's Bath Priory hotel during this time.

Gurval Durand will be taking his place at Buckland Manor, having been interim general manager at the group's Sydney House Chelsea property for the past four months.

Owner Andrew Brownsword said: "Buckland Manor, a Relais and Chateaux property has simply excelled beyond any expectation under Simon's leadership and the commercial success and guest delight he has created there over so many years is remarkable. The family are simply thrilled that he will be heading up the team at Gidleigh Park from October this year.

"We are also incredibly fortunate to have the talented and experienced Gurval Durand with us to take over and maintain the excellence created at Buckland Manor by Simon seamlessly.

"We want also to thank Paul Shanahan, who joined us from Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons two years ago for his leadership at Gidleigh in his first general managers appointment as he moves on in his industry journey to the GM role at the Vineyard and we wish him and the team there all the very best."

Andrew Brownsword hotels are owned by Andrew and Christina Brownsword, a collection of eight countryside properties, five city centre ABode hotels and Sydney House Chelsea. Andrew and Christina Brownsword additionally own and operate the Imperial Torquay.

Paul Shanahan to join the Vineyard as general manager >>

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