Register to get 3 free articles
Register to unlock the article and receive our free newsletter. Join 26,000 other hotel leaders and stay in the know.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The Grove in Hertfordshire, the UK’s leading luxury resort, has announced the promotion of Anna Darnell from resort director to general manager.
Darnell’s new position is supported by a bolstering of The Grove’s senior leadership team intended to drive the business forward under group managing director for Ralph Trustees, Bernard Murphy.
In her new role as GM, Darnell assumes responsibility for overarching business strategy, operational direction and revenue across the resort’s 300 acres.
In addition to leading Housekeeping, Golf, Spa, Leisure, and Revenue, Anna will now also oversee Front of House, Security, and Maintenance, bringing all guest-facing departments under one leadership to enhance collaboration and ensure a seamless guest experience.
Darnell’s appointment marks a major milestone in her career, since joining The Grove over 20 years ago in 2005 as corporate Golf co-ordinator, she has progressed through the business with dedication and a deep understanding of what makes The Grove special.
Over the past two decades, Darnell has held roles as director of Golf and resort leisure director, assuming responsibility for Spa, Activities and Leisure revenue.
Joining Darnell and existing senior team members HR director Danielle Michaels and financial controller Andy Watson, The Grove’s newly established senior leadership team welcomes Maarten Geschwindt who is promoted to culinary director and Lucy Chase-Gardener who is promoted to marketing director.
Set in 300 acres of verdant Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove offers 214 guest rooms, award-winning Sequoia spa, a championship golf course, restaurants, an original Walled Garden which is home to a Kitchen Garden, a heated outdoor pool and ‘beach’ area, plus a wide selection of meeting and event spaces.
