PPHE Hotel Group founder steps aside amid ‘HR-related claim’

PPHE Hotel Group founder Eli Papouchado has stepped down as non-executive chairman and director of the board with “immediate effect”.

His resignation follows an HR-related claim made against him by an employee of a company outside of the PPHE Hotel Group “but which also names the group as co-respondents”, according to a notice on the London Stock Exchange.

Papouchado has taken this decision “pending the outcome” of the claim, which he “strenuously refutes” and is contesting, according to the filing.

He has held the role of chairman since the international hospitality real estate group’s formation in 1989 and was heavily involved with the expansion of the Park Plaza and Art’otel brands across Europe.

In the meantime, Ken Bradley, currently non-executive deputy chairman, has been appointed his successor.

A spokesperson for the hotel group added: “Given the context of the current claim, the group is limited in what further information it can provide at this time. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.”

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