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

The head of AA Hotel Services has departed after just eight months with the organisation as Simon Numphud, a former predecessor in the role, is set to return to the business as interim managing director.

Andrew Oxley, who arrived at the AA in April, has returned to hotel management as general manager of the four-AA-star, 98-bedroom Macdonald Frimley Hotel & Spa in Camberley, Surrey. He was general manager at the four-AA-star, 100-bedroom Down Hall Country House hotel in Bishop's Stortford, Herfordshire before joining the AA.

It has emerged that Oxley's boss at the AA, Kirsty Lloyd-Jukes, director of venture businesses, has also left the organisation.

The departure of both Oxley and Lloyd-Jukes is the latest episode in what has been a period of instability for the AA, which operates the VisitEngland assessment scheme alongside its own rating system, since Numphud (pictured) left the AA as head of hotel services in January 2016. After working at the AA for 18 years, Numphud joined independent food procurement company PSL as director of sales.

Last year also saw the departure of Giovanna Grossi from her full-time role of AA group area manager. However, she has continued to work with the business on a part-time basis as chief advisor on awards and quality assessment.

Prior to her departure, Lloyd-Jukes, who is said to be continuing to work with the AA in “an advisory capacity”, said: “As Simon knows the business well, it will be a smooth transition which will ensure that the AA Hotel Services continues to provide its excellent service and support to the hospitality industry.

“Having Simon back will enable us to continue making progress in taking both the AA and VisitEngland schemes forward at pace. We thank Andrew for his contribution to the AA Hotel Services during a time of considerable change and wish him well in his new endeavours, and we welcome Simon back to the AA.”

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