Birch unveils new senior leadership team

Hospitality operator Birch has revealed that following the successful launch of its lifestyle hotel concept and its first community in Cheshunt it has appointed a new senior management team to “take the brand to the next stage of its growth”. The company has appointed Ayo Akinsete as managing director having spent the last 14 years overseeing the openings and operations for hospitality brands from New York to Miami and Los Angeles to more recently in London, where as area MD for SH Hotels and Resorts, he oversaw the role out of Treehouse Hotels and 1 Hotel brands in Europe. In addition, it has also appointed Kam Bathia as financial director. With over 25 years of professional practice, Birch said he brings a “wealth of experience” in top-tier hospitality, family office and real estate portfolio management, including a deep experience of lifestyle hotel brands, including Chiltern Firehouse. Also part of the announcement, Birch revealed that following work on the concept development and the launch of the inaugural Birch, two of its founders, Chris Penn and Chris King have decided to step back to focus on new opportunities outside of the brand. John Brennan, chairman of Birch Hospitality, said: “Ayo joins us at an exciting time for the Birch brand as we grow and add more hotels after the successful launch of the first Birch concept in Cheshunt. Ayo will lead the running of the entire business to include the launch of our second hotel which will open in Selsdon, Southeast London in Spring 2023,and lead us into further expansion in the future.” Ayo Akinsete said: “The success of the first Birch site gives us a strong foundation to grow the brand and portfolio. What we have created is truly unique and a proven market concept, which we are keen to bring to new locations, for more to share and experience. “I am really looking forward to utilising my experience in growing the operations of some of the world’s most exciting hotel groups to Birch, whilst continuing to focus on creating a festival-like atmosphere, where guests are free to choose their own experience from a wide plethora of amenities and activities.” Birch Cheshunt opened in 2020 and was The Times Hotel of the Year within three months of opening. The second Birch hotel will open in Selsdon, Southeast London in Spring 2023. The property, which is currently undergoing significant renovation, consists of a 181-room hotel, set within a 19th Century gothic style mansion, with meeting and conference facilities, a co-working hub, two restaurant and three bars, a wellness space, running trail, tennis courts, and around 150 acres of rewilded grounds.