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Highgate, a real estate, hotel management and development company, has announced the appointment of Ben Thomas as its new chief operating officer for Europe.
Thomas has previously served as chief operating and commercial officer at Penta Hotels, where he led these functions for the international brand and operator – including a portfolio of 16 hotels across Europe and Asia.
Throughout his 11-year tenure with Penta, he began as cluster general manager in Birmingham and Derby, and subsequently served as regional general manager of the UK, regional director in Frankfurt, and chief commercial officer.
Thomas has also served as chief operating officer of the UK and Ireland for Cycas Hospitality.
Earlier in his career, he held general manager roles across the UK, including positions at Village Hotels, Millennium, and Copthorne Hotels.
In his new role, Thomas will oversee Highgate’s operations across the region, drive strategic growth initiatives, and optimise performance across its expanding portfolio.
Steve Barick, principal at Highgate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ben into the Highgate family as our COO for Europe. Ben’s expertise and track record of driving operational and commercial excellence make him the right strategic leader to accelerate Highgate’s expansion. His vision and impact will undoubtedly elevate our teams and portfolio to new levels of success.”
Thomas added: “It is an honor to join Highgate at such an exciting time for the company. Highgate’s proven track record lends itself well to the burgeoning hospitality boom we are seeing across Europe, and I look forward to bringing Highgate’s differentiated capabilities to more hotels, cities, and countries throughout the continent.”
