Guy Crawford named chief executive of Highland Coast Hotels

Guy Crawford has been appointed as chief executive of Highland Coast Hotels and is due to start the role from 6 April.

He will oversee the reopening of the Tongue Hotel in Sutherland and the Plockton Inn in Loch Carron in April 2023, which are both undergoing a three-month refurbishment.

Crawford will also oversee projects to boost regional growth for the Scottish hotel brand.

Current chief executive and founder of Highland Coast Hotels, Roddy Watt, will step back from day-to-day operations following Crawford’s appointment.

Watt will remain on the board of the hotel group as development director to focus on investment and acquisition.

Crawford was previously chief executive and board member of Jumeirah Hospitality Group in Dubai; managing director of Forte Heritage Hotels; and managing director of Le Meridien Africa, Caribbean and Indian Ocean.

He has also been on the non-executive board of the Indian Hotels Company, Taj Group, and Emirates Hotel Academy in the United Arab Emirates.

His newest role marks a return to his roots, as Crawford’s grandparents and parents were all hotel owners and managers in the Scottish Highlands, with venues in Forres, Nairn and Aviemore.

Crawford said: “The Scottish Highlands is not only one of the most beautiful corners of the earth, but the region holds so many personal family connections and memories for me. I’m passionate about enhancing local community life and sustainable tourism.”

David Whiteford, chairman at Highland Coast Hotels, added: “We’re incredibly fortunate to be welcoming Guy to Highland Coast Hotels. Over the last four decades, he’s gained a global reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s most respected leaders.”

Scottish-based group Highland Coast Hotels was founded in 2021 with the aim of bringing sustainable and community-led hospitality to the North Highlands of Scotland.

Image Credit: Highland Coast Hotels