Switch Hospitality unveils two senior hires

Birmingham-based asset management company Switch Hospitality Management Ltd has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Levi Bailey as group operations director and Sarah Buchanan as group people director.

Bailey brings 18 years’ hospitality experience to the role, having held positions at some of the most established hotel groups in the UK including Malmaison Hotels, Q Hotels and Handpicked Hotels where he gained a “wealth of operational expertise”.

His most recent role was hotel manager at Park Regis Birmingham – the flagship hotel from Switch Hospitality.

In his new position as group operations director at Switch Hospitality, Bailey will lead the property management teams across the company’s entire portfolio. It said his focus is to continue to drive the business’ industry-leading standards in hospitality and asset management and deliver first-class service for clients and customers.

Meanwhile, Buchanan joins the business with over 18 years’ experience in Human Resources. She began her career in hospitality at IHG Hotels and Resorts, whilst completing her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification, and later honed her expertise with managerial roles in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, retail and telecommunications.

As group people director, Switch said Buchanan will lead on all HR processes for the business, ensuring fairness and consistency at all levels and providing ongoing people development and management support.

Bailey said: “Having worked closely with the Switch Hospitality team during my time at Park Regis, I’m delighted to be taking on this new challenge.

“As we look to accelerate the growth of the asset portfolio, my priority is to ensure we consistently deliver the high standards and best-in-class service that Switch has become known for, whilst continuing to invest in our people and their development. From my experience, I believe that if you look after your team, then the service standards will follow in return.”

Buchanan added: “Joining Switch Hospitality is an exciting milestone in my career. I have worked across many sectors and my approach to create a successful people function is always the same – attention to detail, stringent administration and consistency. I’m passionate about employee development and engagement, and empowering people to deliver their best.”

John Angus, managing director at Switch Hospitality, said: “We’re so pleased to be strengthening our senior team by welcoming Levi and Sarah, particularly during an exciting period of growth for the business. They both bring a wealth of experience and will play a crucial role in supporting the company’s future ambitions and maintaining our high professional standards.”

Switch Hospitality offers management and consultancy services with a specialist focus on hotel, apart-hotel, serviced offices, residential developments, mixed-use, student, build to rent and leisure accommodation.