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Hospitality management firm RBH has announced its current CFO, David Hart, is to take up the position of CEO on 1 February 2021.
Hart will succeed founder and current CEO Helder Pereira, who will step down from the role but will remain part of the business as a board director.
After spending the early part of his career at PwC qualifying as a chartered accountant, Hart joined RBH in 2005 and has “remained a key part of the business”, overseeing the entire finance operation, amongst other responsibilities, and ensuring ongoing support and confidence from shareholders – including throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
His appointment comes just months after RBH announced another senior internal appointment which saw Susan Bland step into the role of MD.
He said: “It’s an absolute honour to take on the role of CEO for RBH. Having spent most of my career within the business, I feel like I have grown alongside it, learning about the industry from some of the most experienced hoteliers in the business. The team at RBH is nothing short of brilliant, and it is a privilege to work alongside each and every one of them.
“In particular, I’ve been fortunate enough to work exceptionally closely with Helder on our business strategy over the years and know that he has laid the foundations to enable myself and the wider executive team to continue on a successful path.”
He added: “I am thrilled to step into the role as our team heads into a new chapter and a new year, with a clear focus on overcoming the challenges that the hospitality industry currently faces, whilst continuing to expand our existing portfolio.
“The third-party management marketplace is set for continued growth as many owners and investors continue to switch to independent operators to manage their hospitality assets. This has become even more evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, where investors have seen the benefits of working with experienced operators who can manage in both the highs and lows in this exciting industry of ours.”
