Ian Fletcher steps in as Hard Rock GM ahead of opening

Ian Fletcher has replaced Oliver Kahf as general manager of the Hard Rock hotel in London ahead of the property's launch next month.

Kahf was appointed in 2017 to oversee the 900-bedroom property, which is due to relaunch as the UK's first Hard Rock hotel on 30 April following the refurbishment and rebrand of the former Cumberland hotel near Marble Arch. He left the hotel, which is owned and operated by GLH Hotels, for "personal reasons" in December.

A statement from the hotel read: "Most recently general manager of the Royal Horseguards hotel, Ian's knowledge and skills, acquired over the course of his career, coupled with his passion and excitement for the Hard Rock brand, make him the perfect fit to lead the launch of the hotel.

"With a decade of experience and a proven track record in the London and luxury market, Ian brings to the project the expertise and enthusiasm which will be integral to successfully bringing the essence and brand values of Hard Rock to life through the launch of this 900-room hotel in such an iconic, central location."

The move marks a return to the property for Fletcher, who joined GLH as hotel manager at the Cumberland in 2007 having spent three years with Hilton. He has held general manager positions at GLH properties in London since 2009, most recently at the Royal Horseguards hotel.

Kahf joined the property following nearly two years as chief executive of Ambiance Hospitality in Muscat, Oman. He was previously general manager for three years at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski hotel in Cairo in Egypt, having worked for Marriott for 10 years.

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