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The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne has appointed James Perry as its new general manager.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, it said Perry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
Perry’s career began in 1994, after completing a degree in Political Science at the London Guildhall University. Although he hadn’t set out to pursue a career in hospitality, Perry took a part-time job in a local hotel alongside his studies. Following the completion of his degree, Perry moved into a permanent role within the hotel, gaining a broad range of experience across the various departments.
In 2000, Perry took on his first hotel management role as deputy GM of Eastwood Hall in Nottingham. He spent the following eight years working in hotels across the Midlands, in Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
Perry then relocated to Kent in September 2008 to take on his first GM position at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, before eventually joining Alexander Hotels in 2012, where he has spent the past 12 years working as GM of Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa.
Elite Hotels’ MD, Graeme Bateman, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome James to the Elite Hotels collection. With his extensive knowledge and experience, we are excited to see the innovative contributions he will bring to The Grand Hotel.
“As we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional service, we are confident that, under James’s leadership, The Grand Hotel will continue to excel. This appointment is particularly significant, representing the first change of general manager at The Grand in over 30 years, a notable rarity in today’s hospitality industry.”
Perry added: “It’s a privilege to be taking on the role of general manager at such a locally renowned hotel. I hope to continue the progress of my predecessor, building on the hotel’s excellent reputation and working alongside the team, to achieve our strategic goals and give guests the best possible experience.”
The hotel features 152 bedrooms and suites and two restaurants – The Mirabelle, as well as The Garden Grill, overseen by executive head chef Hrvoje Loncarevic – plus a cocktail bar, elegant lounge areas for enjoying Afternoon Tea, and a Health Suite Club with indoor and outdoor pool along with treatment rooms.
