Best Western announces two new appointments

Best Western GB has announced two new appointments to its board and revenue team.

Al-Munir Malik, director of Remarkable Hotels, will be joining the board of directors, whilst Andrew Glover will be the new head of revenue management. 

News of these appointments comes as the group says it is “on track to beat its ever-growing record-breaking period of business growth”.

It added that these appointments would “bolster its already highly skilled team”, and comes in line with its plan to expand its 260-strong portfolio to 500 hotels by 2022. 

Malik’s appointment to the board follows Abacus Hotels Howard Darking’s decision to step down after more than 20 years of service.

Best Western said that Malik will bring a “different perspective on the management of a hotel group” through his “strong” business credentials and strategy development skills. 

Malik said: “It is a great honour to be able to join the Board of Best Western, and to be given the opportunity to drive the direction of the brand at a time of great transition for the industry.

“There is great scope within the business to enhance the brand’s value, especially through the use of new technology and areas in which we are already strong, like distribution and loyalty programmes, which we can use to build strong areas of new business.”

Chairman of the ICH board of directors, Tim Rumney, added: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Al-Munir onto the board, and I can’t wait to work with him and see how his fresh perspective can add to our discussions over the next year. 

“I’d also like to thank Howard Darking for his excellent work over the years, and for all that he has contributed to the progress the brand has made in that time.”

Glover brings with him more than 24 years of experience in the hotel industry, having previously worked at Valor Hospitality Europe.

He will now manage a team of 24 to monitor market performance and provide advice on pricing management. He will also implement technology into revenue management in order to help predict future demand for Best Western’s portfolio.

He aims to “drive revenue growth” through implementing this new management system across Best Western in the following months. 

Glover said: “I have always worked in the hospitality industry, starting in my local pub at 14 years old. I have always aimed to grow my career within hotels, and I am really excited to start my next chapter with a brand as renowned as Best Western. 

“I can’t wait to build strong relationships with members and stakeholders to help meet their needs as a business and to continue Best Western’s goal to grow its portfolio.”