Caterersearch.com 100: Tony Troy

Overall ranking: 88

Hotelier ranking: 22

Tony Troy - Snapshot

Tony Troy is chief executive of Principal Hayley Group, the hotel and conference venue operator.

Formed from a management buyout of the six-strong Principal Hotels group in 2006, backed by private equity firm Permira, the company operates 24 properties, mainly in the UK. In 2009 it expanded through the purchase of two venues from collapsed group the Real Hotel Company and opened two new venues in France and Spain.

Tony Troy - Career guide

Troy is the former head of the UK and Ireland division of Le Méridien Hotels. He led a management buy-in of Principal in 1994 and remained with the business when it was acquired by Nomura International in 2001 and merged with Le Méridien.

Troy quit two years later, but Le Méridien's subsequent financial woes presented him with the opportunity to regain control of the Principal Hotels name as well as five of his former hotels.

Tony Troy - What we think

Under Troy's stewardship, Principal Hayley has actively sought out sites throughout the UK, as the hotel and conference centre market has historically proven less volatile in the regions than in London.

The group's hotels have undergone substantial refurbishment, positioning them as leading corporate, conference and leisure destinations.

The value of the portfolio has been improved by building additional bedrooms and conference rooms within properties where there is sufficient demand. The Hayley Portfolio hotels which had, under previous ownership, operated on weekdays only, are now open all week, allowing them to welcome leisure and wedding guests as well as significantly increasing occupancy levels.

In securing a deal for the iconic St David's Hotel and Spa in Cardiff, Troy signalled his intent to play with the big boys.

Tony Troy - Further information

Principal Hotels rebrands after Hayley Conference Centres buy >>

Conference group Principal Hayley to open first European site in Paris >>

Rocco Forte's St David's hotel sold for £32.5m >>

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