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The Savoy has announced it has appointed Sam Riches as the new director of Sales and Marketing and Valeriia Korolenko as the new director of Rooms.
Riches replaces Linda Hodgson who has moved to Fairmont Century Plaza, LA and Valeriia replaces Alison Vernon who moves to Raffles London at The OWO, both brands within the Accor family.
Riches joins from the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in Marylebone where he held the role of director of Sales and Marketing. His career in the London five-star hotel scene spans two decades, working for some of the world’s most prestigious brands. He began his career in 2002 as an F&B Management Trainee at The Berkeley and Claridge’s, when they were part of The Savoy Group.
His relationship with The Savoy began at this point when he attended a Sommelier course at the hotel. In the following years he progressed in numerous Sales and Marketing roles in hotels such as Four Seasons, Bulgari and The London Edition.
Meanwhile Korolenko has over 15 years’ experience in the industry and an “accomplished” resumé covering all areas of hospitality She will take the helm as the new director of Rooms from 1 August and began her career at the Four Seasons in Lisbon, before moving to Four Seasons, Park Lane.
Following a brief stint at Ralph Lauren Hospitality managing Food and Beverage operations, she moved onto The Kensington Hotel (Doyle Collection) progressing from Rooms Division manager to operations manager, and finally on to Beaverbrook, Surrey.
Managing director and regional VP of The Savoy, Franck Arnold, said: “We are incredibly excited to be welcoming both Sam and Valeriia to The Savoy family. Their vision and expertise as well as impressive experience within the hospitality industry is set to elevate our five-star offering even further.”
