Wilderness Reserve makes trio of senior hires amid expansion push

Wilderness Reserve, the 6,000-acre private estate in Suffolk’s Yox Valley, has announced three major appointments as it enters a new chapter of growth.

Under the leadership of chief operating officer Francisco Macedo, who was appointed to the role late last year, the estate welcomes Erika Steward as director of hospitality sales, Ricardo Morillo as corporate beverage director, and Matthaios Tsistrakis as executive chef.

Steward joins with almost two decades’ worth of experience spanning some of the UK’s most celebrated luxury properties. Most recently group head of sales at Andrew Brownsword Hotels, a portfolio of thirteen properties including Gidleigh Park and the Bath Priory, Steward has also held senior leadership roles as head of sales at Iconic Luxury Hotels, which includes Chewton Glen and the Lygon Arms.

Morillo brings more than 17 years’ experience across Michelin-starred restaurants and international luxury venues, joining from Cliveden House, where he was lounge and bar manager.

Meanwhile, Tsistrakis brings over two decades of experience in leading hotels and dining environments. Originally from Crete, Tsistrakis’s appointment marks a significant development for Wilderness Reserve’s culinary programme, known for its ’fire feasts’ and guest-led dining experiences.

The appointments come as Suffolk estate embarks on a series of developments which include Otter Lodge, a secluded lakeside spa retreat, the full restoration of Cockfield Hall, offering guests an immersive stay within the restored Suffolk landscape, and the restoration of the Griffin in Yoxford as a village pub.

Commenting on the appointments, Macedo said: “Wilderness Reserve has always been something truly special, a place where nature, architecture and genuine human connection come together in a way that cannot be replicated. What makes it exceptional is the team behind it, and these appointments are about adding further strength to an already outstanding group of people.

“We are not changing who we are, we are building on it. Each individual brings a distinct perspective that sharpens how we present the estate, how we deliver the experience, and how we continue to raise the bar across every touchpoint. With an exciting period ahead in 2026, this is a deliberate step forward, investing in our people to ensure we continue to deliver something truly remarkable.”