De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms appoints new sales director

De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms has appointed Emily Simmons-Wright as director of sales, where she will lead the Covent Garden venue’s commercial strategy and business development. 

Simmons-Wright joins the Grade II listed site with experience in the hospitality and events industry, having previously held roles at Twickenham Stadium, Farnborough International and Eventist Group.

In her new role, she will oversee client partnerships for meetings, conferences and private celebrations at the central London venue, which contains 37 event spaces.

Located near Covent Garden and Holborn stations, the venue can accommodate 1,500 guests for receptions and 750 in its Grand Hall. It sits within the De Vere collection of historic estates and hotels.

Simmons-Wright said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, an iconic London venue with such a rich heritage. I am looking forward to building on its strong reputation, driving momentum across the team and partnerships and ensuring every client and guest experience reinforces its position as one of the capital’s leading historic venues.”

General manager John Davies added: “Emily brings a wealth of experience in the meetings and events sector, alongside a strong understanding of client needs and the London market. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build on the venue’s reputation as one of the capital’s leading destinations for conferences, meetings and special events.”