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Crowne Plaza Newcastle appoints business development manager

Byadmin

Apr 23, 2016 #Crowne Plaza

Screen Shot 2016-04-23 at 14.44.25Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel has strengthened its sales and marketing team, appointing Rachel McDermott as business development manager.

Rachel, 28, from Darras Hall in Ponteland, will be responsible for the continuing success of the hotel’s independent brands Hawthorns brasserie, The GIN Bar and Mineral House spa, through a range of events, promotions and new business initiatives.

A familiar face across the region’s business community, Rachel joined Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter after spending nine years at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, working her way up from an admin position to events manager.

Commenting on her new role, Rachel said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at such an exciting time. I’ve always been passionate about the North East and that fits perfectly with the ethos of the hotel – from its approach to using local suppliers to hiring local musicians to entertain bar and restaurant guests; it’s all about local and I love that. 

“While I’ve spent a lot of time working with the region’s business community, this role is very different – it’s a fast-paced and socially-oriented industry; every day brings a new challenge.

“I’m already involved with planning the events calendar and looking at promotional opportunities for everything from food and drink offers to gym memberships at Mineral House. It’s great to be playing a leading role in projects that will encourage more people to come and enjoy the fantastic leisure and hospitality facilities at the hotel.”

Rachel moved to Ponteland from Liverpool at the age of six when her father, Terry McDermott, transferred from Liverpool Football Club to Newcastle United. After studying business at Newcastle College she started her career as an account executive at a local large-format digital print agency before moving on to the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and then joining Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter in April 2016.

Andrew Fox, general manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, said: “Rachel is fantastic addition to the team. She is highly experienced in managing creative events and is well-connected within the business community; both will be essential in her work to help us attract even more people through our doors. In addition, her clear love for the area and commitment to championing all things local means that she has the personality, interests and drive that will ensure her success in the role.”

 

By admin