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Hand Picked Hotels has appointed James Norman and Jean-Paul Wyburn as general managers of Nutfield Priory Hotel and Spa in Surrey and Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath.
The appointments form part of the group’s strategy to strengthen leadership across its 21 country house hotels and spa resorts in the UK and Channel Islands.
Norman joins Nutfield Priory Hotel and Spa in Surrey from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts in Barcelona, where he oversaw food and beverage operations, Michelin-starred dining and a major refurbishment project.
His previous experience includes senior roles with the Ritz-Carlton in Barcelona and Riyadh, St Regis Doha, Kempinski Bangkok, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, and the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva and Hong Kong.
He will lead operations at the 60-bedroom Nutfield Priory, a neo-Gothic country house overlooking the Surrey Downs. The property holds AA 4 Red Star status and its Cloisters Restaurant has two AA Rosettes.
Meanwhile, Wyburn takes charge at Bailbrook House Hotel, a grade II listed property set in 20 acres of grounds on the edge of Bath. He joins from the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, where he was interim general manager, and has more than 20 years’ experience in senior hospitality roles.
Norman said: “It’s an honour to join Nutfield Priory and be part of the Hand Picked Hotels family. The hotel’s rich heritage and stunning setting provide an exceptional environment for creating world-class guest experiences.”
Wyburn added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Bailbrook House at such an exciting time. It’s a property with tremendous charm and potential, and I’m committed to working closely with the team to enhance every aspect of the guest journey.”
Julia Hands, Hand Picked Hotels chair, concluded: “We are delighted to welcome James and Jean-Paul. Both bring outstanding experience, leadership and vision to their new roles. With James’ international culinary background and Jean-Paul’s people-focused management style, these appointments build on our commitment to offering unique, luxurious gastronomic experiences and first-class service.”
