PPHE Hotel Group appoints executive VP of restaurants and bars

International operator of hotels and resorts, PPHE Hotel Group, has announced the appointment of Jamie Kerr as its new executive vice president of restaurants and bars. The news comes as the former vice president of restaurant and bars, Velio Di Nolfo, has been promoted to the role of restaurant and bars operations director, where he will be developing new concepts in Rome and Zagreb. In his new role, Kerr will be responsible for overseeing the division’s outputs and development, which includes the established and successful TOZI Restaurant and Bar, Chino Latino and ARCA concepts. In addition, he will also be overseeing outputs and development for the introduction of JOIA, the flagship restaurant, bar and rooftop at art’otel London Battersea Power Station, which is due to open later this year. Kerr will also lead and develop the new concepts going into art’otel London Hoxton, which is reportedly set to open in early 2024. It is reported that he has joined the business with an extensive track record in hospitality operations, having most recently opened Mama Shelter Shoreditch in London as general manager. Previously, he also held general manager roles with Soho House Group, as well as entertainment sales roles with Firmdale Hotels. Greg Hegarty, deputy CEO and COO at PPHE Hotel Group, said: “We are delighted to share the news that Jamie is joining the business as executive vice president of restaurants and bars. It is a very exciting time for the group, and the creation of the restaurant and bars division builds on our well-established passion for food and beverage operations. “Jamie’s wealth of experience adds another layer of expertise as we develop the division further. Our congratulations also go to Velio. Having already played a significant role in our restaurant and bar operations, we are excited to see what he brings to our concepts across mainland Europe.” Kerr said: “I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and all that the role will bring. With so many unique concepts already in place and even more exciting ones in development, there isn’t a better time to join the team.”