Simon Mahon named chief operating officer at Watergate Bay Hotel

Simon Mahon has joined the Cornwall-based Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place, SeaSpace and Beach Retreats as chief operating officer.

The Master Innholder, St Julian Scholar and fellow of the Institute of Hospitality was most recently general manager at the Grand, York for five years.

Mahon will be bringing over 30 years’ experience in the industry to his role, which will see him working with staff from all four businesses.

He will be tasked with recruiting a new general manager at Watergate Bay hotel once he assumes the position on 4 November.  

Mahon said: “Ultimately with the best hotel businesses it’s all about people, care and a sense of place. I look for companies that have deep, authentic bonds with their location, people and community, building on those bonds to create memorable moments for guests. In Watergate Bay, I see a set of businesses that understand sense of place through and through, are genuinely values-driven and have true hospitality at their core. I can’t wait to get started.”

Chief executive Ben Harper added: “In a landscape full of flux, 2024 has seen us double the size of our business and we have ambitious plans for further growth of all of our brands. We now want to take our operational delivery to the next level. Given his track record, Simon will do just that by providing inspirational leadership, new ways of thinking and experience that will really take us places in 2025 and beyond.”

Mahon’s appointment coincides with the launch of the hotel group’s new lifestyle aparthotel concept SeaSpace in Newquay.