Former AA boss Andrew Oxley appointed Eastwell Manor GM

Champneys has hired Andrew Oxley, the former head of AA Hotel Services, as the new general manager of Eastwell Manor in Ashford, Kent.

Oxley's appointment follows a short spell as general manager of the four-AA-star Macdonald Frimley Hotel and Spa in Camberley, Surrey.

Prior to that, he worked as head of AA Hotel Services for eight months, after moving on from his role as general manager of the four-AA-star Down Hall Country House hotel in Hatfield Heath, Hertfordshire.

Champneys bought Eastwell Manor in 2016, announcing major plans for refurbishment before submitting a planning application for a £1.6m, 28-bedroom extension to the hotel last year.

The hotel has origins dating back to the Norman Conquest and has two restaurants and a spa. Once the refurbishment is complete, it will have 77 bedrooms including two cabins, referred to as "shepherd's huts", which were installed at the hotel last month.

William Simmonds, Chamneys group operations director, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Andrew to Eastwell Manor, a Champneys hotel and spa.

"Following Champneys acquisition of Eastwell Manor 18 months ago the property has undergone a £12m transformation.

"With Andrew's wealth of experience in country house hotels, as well as with the AA, we are confident he will make a hugely positive impact as we now focus on service delivery and guest experience as we look to position Eastwell Manor as one of the South East's leading country house hotel and spas."

The Caterer has contacted Macdonald Hotels and Resorts for comment.

Simon Numphud to return to AA Hotel Services as Andrew Oxley departs >>

AA appoints hotel general manager as head of hotel services >>

Down Hall Country House hotel hires Andrew Oxley as GM >>

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