Devonshire Group announces new operations manager

The Devonshire Group has announced Robert McKay as its new operations manager in Yorkshire.

He will oversee the Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, the Devonshire Fell at Burnsall, the Cavendish Pavilion and Yorkshire Boltholes. McKay joins the team from The Airds Hotel at Port Appin in the Scottish Highlands.

It said McKay is a “highly accomplished” general manager with experience that includes managing establishments in London and the Falkland Islands, as well luxury hotels within his native Scotland. He has been awarded ‘Hotel General Manager of the Year’ by Luxury Life and retained the ‘Inspector’s Choice’ within the AA Awards system.

Richard Palmer, managing director of The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we welcome Robert to the Devonshire family. Following a challenging period of uncertainty for all hospitality businesses, including our own, we are now confidently back on track as we enter a dynamic period of growth and development across the Group, and especially so here in Yorkshire.

“I am delighted that he is settling in so well and taking such pride in his new role. I see exciting times ahead and welcome Robert to be a key partner in our ambitious and exciting development plans moving forward. I would like to thank him for successfully taking up the reins in recent weeks. I wish him success in his professional role, and also for Robert and family to be happy here in their new Yorkshire home.”

McKay added: “After several years in my last role, despite being extremely comfortable, I found myself yearning for a new challenge, where I could gain satisfaction from seeing my experience and vision come to fruition – so the Operations Manager role feels an excellent fit for me at this time in my career.

“I am very much looking forward to growing into my new position here, and in due course delivering an even more exceptional guest experience here at these much loved and highly-regarded country properties.”