Hand Picked Hotels bolsters leadership team with two senior hires

Hand Picked Hotels, renowned for its collection of 21 privately-owned luxury country houses and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands, has announced Ariel Bouzas as chief guest experience officer and Julian Tomlin as head of operations. The appointment of Bouzas and Tomlin follows the appointment of Ignace Bauwens as chief executive officer in November 2023. Bouzas joins Hand Picked with expertise from his recent tenure at Belmond, where he held the position of vice president, Global Operations, and where his primary role was centred on ensuring “discerning guests enjoyed the ultimate in luxury hospitality”. As chief guest experience officer, he will play a pivotal role in ensuring Hand Picked Hotels delivers “exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for every guest”. With more than 15 years of hospitality and travel leadership experience, Bouzas joins the executive committee and reports directly to Ignace Bauwens, chief executive officer. Meanwhile, Tomlin previously held the position of regional managing director at Macdonald Hotels and Resorts and before that, spent nearly two decades at the Exclusive Collection. Bauwens said: "We are thrilled to welcome such a wealth of experience from both Ariel Bouzas and Julian Tomlin to Hand Picked Hotels. Their proven leadership, combined with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, underlines our commitment to elevating Hand Picked Hotels to exceptional heights and setting best-in-class benchmarks for our brand.” Bouzas added: "I am delighted to be joining Hand Picked Hotels as chief guest experience officer. My passion for delivering high quality guest experiences perfectly aligns with the business’ dedication to delivering excellence across every guest touch point. “Together with our talented team, my goal is to further accelerate the Hand Picked Hotels service to the highest level, whether it’s during a stay, a spa treatment or enjoying a dining experience in one of our award-winning restaurants." Tomlin concluded: “Hand Picked Hotels has an excellent reputation for delivering exceptional luxury experiences across its properties in the UK and the Channel Islands where every single detail, and that personal touch, really matters, so I am incredibly excited for this next chapter.”