The Relais Cooden Beach names new GM

The recently rebranded, The Relais Cooden Beach by Relais Retreats, has appointed Jamieson Berriman as general manager to lead the property through its “transformation and beyond”.

Berriman joins The Relais Cooden Beach with over 30 years of hotel management experience, driving positive growth at landmark and boutique hotels in East Sussex, having most recently held the role as Hotel GM at country house, Horsted Place in Uckfield.

Prior to this, he held the position of Hotel GM at Best Western Lansdowne Hotel on Eastbourne’s seafront and was also a member of the management team for 13 years at five-star Grand Eastbourne and before which, he worked at the Bannatyne Spa Hotel in East Sussex – overseeing hotel rebrands and building teams.

Under the leadership of international hotelier Grace Leo, Relais said Jamieson will play a “crucial role” in helping to deliver the operations behind the soon-to-be fully completed, The Relais Cooden Beach.

Leo said: “We are thrilled to welcome an experienced leader who can not only build upon the service levels and incredible team spirit we have here at Cooden Beach, but also deliver new guest experiences that capture the relaxed yet sophisticated nature of this unique seaside retreat.”

Jamieson added: “I’m excited to be joining the Relais Retreats family as the brand grows and leading the team as we prepare for this milestone hotel transformation. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the history and heritage of this stretch of the East Sussex coastline and meeting guests past and present who will form a part of the property’s exciting new chapter.”

The Relais Cooden Beach is currently undergoing a complete renovation, transforming all of its public areas, including the beachfront restaurant, bar, function rooms and 45 rooms, expected to be completed autumn 2022. The wellness spa will follow towards the end of 2022.