DoubleTree by Hilton Hull appoints new GM

DoubleTree by Hilton Hull has appointed Ross Blezard as its new general manager as the hotel prepares for the launch of a major new events space later this year.

Blezard brings more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience across Hilton Hotels and Resorts, luxury resorts and international properties. He joins the Hull city-centre hotel at a key stage in its development, with work underway on The Horizon Suite, a 300m² event space due to open later this year.

The new facility will expand the hotel’s meetings and events offering, increasing capacity for conferences, private functions and large-scale gatherings of up to 1,000 guests.

In his role, Blezard will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, guest experience, team engagement and commercial performance, as well as supporting the property’s continued growth strategy.

Prior to joining DoubleTree by Hilton Hull, he served as general manager at De Vere Latimer Estate in Chesham. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles across the Hilton portfolio, including resort general manager at Macdonald Aviemore Resort and director of operations positions at Hilton Ramses Cairo, Hilton London Wembley and Hilton at St George’s Park.

The hotel is part of Leaf Hospitality’s portfolio, with Ben Underwood, chief operations officer, welcoming the appointment at what he described as an important stage in the property’s development.

Underwood said: "We are delighted to welcome Ross to DoubleTree by Hilton Hull. He brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience and joins the hotel at an important stage in its development. With the launch of The Horizon Suite approaching, Ross is well placed to lead the next phase of growth for the hotel."

Blezard added: "The hotel has a strong reputation across business, leisure and events and with the launch of The Horizon Suite ahead, I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue delivering great experiences for our guests and event organisers."