Kurt Macher appointed general manager of Shangri-La hotel at the Shard London

The Shangri-La hotel, at the Shard, London, has announced the appointment of Kurt Macher as general manager.

Macher, who has more than 28-years' experience in the luxury travel industry, joins the five-red-AA-star, 202-bedroom hotel from the Temple House in Chengdu, China, where he held the same position as well as sitting on the board of the British Chamber of Commerce in Southwest China.

He replaces Paul Brackley who stepped down in January after three years with the hotel to "pursue other opportunities".

Macher said: "With its notable achievements, it's an exciting time to be joining Shangri-La hotel, at the Shard, London. The hotel has really gone from strength to strength as it celebrates its fifth birthday this year. It is not only becoming one of the most distinguished hotels internationally; with its location in the Shard, it is also becoming one of the most recognised. I very much look forward to building on this success with the team and driving even better results and improved guest engagement."

William Mackay, executive vice-president, Europe and the Americas at Shangri-La International Hotel Management said: "It is a pleasure to welcome Kurt into the Shangri-La family. Under his proven leadership, we look forward to continuing to drive the hotel's development and creating the most memorable of experiences for guests."

Macher has also held senior management roles including Wharf hotels, Four Seasons hotels and resorts and the Peninsula Group.

Paul Brackley steps down as London's Shangri-La GM>>