The Newt appoints chief executive

The Newt in Somerset has announced Edward Workman will be joining the property as chief executive from 11 December.

Workman will join the estate in Bruton, which includes the 23-bedroom hotel which opened in August, overseen by general manager Andrew Foulkes, as well as extensive gardens, woodland and farmland. The estate is owned by Koos Bekker and Karen Roos.

Workman previously held roles including chief executive of Highlands Hospitality and chief development officer of Artfarm, both hospitality companies belonging to Iwan and Manuela Wirth, where he oversaw projects including the Fife Arms hotel in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, and the Roth Bar & Grill, also in Bruton.

He said: “As a local I’ve been enthralled by the ambitious development of the Newt in Somerset. It evokes those thriving country estates of yesteryear, with productive and sustainable ecosystems. The Newt in Somerset merges farming, gardening and hospitality in a world-class destination. For me, great hospitality is akin to storytelling, and should have the intrigue and romance of a great book.”

Paul Rawson will remain in charge of all building projects as general manager of Emily Estate; and Sue Seager will continue to head farming operations as estate manager.

Rawson said: “We are so pleased to have Ed on board and we will benefit from his experience.”