Patrick Elsmie to step down as Gleneagles MD
Patrick Elsmie is to stand down as the managing director of Gleneagles hotel following last month's Ryder Cup triumph.
He will be succeeded by Bernard Murphy, the current general manager at the five-red-AA-star, 232-bedroom resort, while remaining at Gleneagles on a part-time basis in a director-level role.
It has been a significant year for Gleneagles. Alongside hosting the Ryder Cup, which Elsmie secured for the resort in 2001, the hotel has also celebrated its 90th anniversary.
Elsmie, who was named The Caterer's Hotelier of the Year in 2004, said that nothing could have been more rewarding than watching "the wonderful staff" at Gleneagles achieve great things.
"During my time here we have hosted and been the venue for many high-profile events, from the NATO Defence Ministers conference in 1989, to the G8 summit in 2005.
"I know I am fortunate to have been part of this iconic hotel's history and am pleased to hand over to Bernard Murphy. Bernard has been a great support to me over the years and I know he will take Gleneagles forward in the future and make his own mark."
Peter Lederer, director of Diageo in Scotland, the owner of Gleneagles and the hotel's chairman, praised Elsmie's commitment and professionalism.
"From when he first joined the hotel as resident manager in 1986, to the present day, he has brought style, innovation, passion and energy.
"The pinnacle of this has to be the planning and delivery of this year's Ryder Cup, thought by many to be the best ever. Patrick has been an outstanding colleague and friend, and I wish him all the best for the next phase of his life."
Originally from Kent, Murphy has enjoyed two stints at Gleneagles, the first from 1995, when he joined as front-of-house manager and left 10 years later as hotel/resident manager . He returned in 2008 as general manager, and has said: "There is an enduring appeal to Gleneagles." In the three intervening years, he worked for the Compass Group, looking after the RBS estate in Scotland.
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