A team of highly qualified and experienced professionals has been appointed to lead the much anticipated Crowne Plaza® Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel.
Following the appointment of the hotel’s General Manager Andrew Fox and Director of Sales Amanda McBride, five senior roles have been filled by specialists with a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector.
As well as the successful recruitment process, the construction, overseen by owner and property developer Clouston Group, is on schedule for a summer opening.
Andrew Fox said: “I’m delighted to bring these passionate and driven professionals to the city. Each member of the senior team has many years of experience in the hospitality sector, so can effectively contribute to the high quality service we’re expecting to provide at the hotel.
“Just last week we all moved to new temporary offices in Boiler Shop in Stephenson Quarter, so it’s very exciting to see how we operate as a team. All of us are full of ideas on how to make the hotel the top destination in Newcastle for business and leisure visitors. We are raring to go and really look forward to the opening in July.”
Vicky Stephenson, the new Hotel Manager, has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector. After growing up in Morpeth, Vicky moved to Sheffield for a degree in Catering & Institutional Management. She’s now returning to the North East from her most recent role as a Hotel Manager at Thistle Aberdeen.
Human Resource Manager Jane Klotz joins the senior team after over six years as HR & Training Manager at local golf destination Close House. Originally from Norwich, Jane left for the North over 20 years ago and acquired her qualifications at Newcastle College.
Paul Walker, who will be responsible for food & beverage management at the hotel, recently worked for other regional hospitality brands such as Maften Hall and Rockliffe Hall. Paul’s impressive CV includes working at internationally renowned bars and restaurants and earning AA rosettes and red stars.
Executive Head Chef Robbie Stokes recently moved from Dubai where he’s been working as an Executive Chef for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) for the past three years. Originally from Kent, Robert will bring his international experience to the hotel after working for international award winning restaurants in Bangkok, Spain and Switzerland.
Ray Stevens, the Chief Engineer, graduated from City of Sunderland College and has been working in engineering since. Most recently Ray was employed by Crowne Plaza Leeds for over six years. His previous experience includes working for different hospitality brands as well as Marine Royal Navy where he’s been awarded with the General Service medal and Gulf medal.
Once complete, the impressive, seven-storey, 251-bed Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter will add a major new business conferencing and banqueting facility to the city.