QHotels' Oxford Belfry appoints new GM ahead of DoubleTree rebrand

Robin Ford has been appointed general manager of QHotels' Oxford Belfry hotel ahead of its rebrand as a DoubleTree by Hilton.

Ford joins the 150-strong team at the 154-bedroom, four-AA-star hotel from his previous role as operations director/joint managing partner of Fiveways Hospitality. He replaces Julian White as general manager. The hotel will be relaunched by the end of the year.

Ford's previous roles also include regional general manager across three properties in Birmingham including the first Park Regis in Europe, Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Express and the city's Nitenite hotel, and general manager of Macdonald's Tickled Trout hotel.

He said: "I'm pleased to have the opportunity to come on board as general manager at such an exciting time, as the hotel prepares to rebrand and join the DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio. My focus will be on ensuring the team continues to offer our guests the first-class service they have come to expect."

The hotel is operated by hotel management company RBH. The 26-strong QHotels portfolio was acquired by real estate investment company Aprirose from Bain Capital Credit and Canyon Partners for £525m last year.

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