Gretna Green Ltd Appoints Three New Directors

Gretna Green Ltd, the family owned business with a global reputation, is delighted to announce the appointment of three new directors to its Management Board.
This development of the senior leadership team will add further momentum to the company's plans to strengthen its position as a leading world class international and domestic destination, as well as growing its successful retail presence both on site and online and its global recognition as a historic wedding venue and visitor attraction.
Gretna Green Ltd, owned by the Houston family since 1886, has a unique heritage and a portfolio of businesses that appeals to a broad range of corporate and leisure market segments both domestic and global.
The new appointments will lead planning and delivery of the strategic growth plans, customer service excellence, ensuring visitors from home and abroad are catered for, and the development of new information and technology services and procedures, all aimed at putting the customer fist and delivering an exceptional experience before, during and after their visit.
The three new post holders are:
Isabel Rhodes - Commercial Director, formerly Head of Retail, E-Commerce, Trading, Buying and Operations, will be responsible for key elements of company growth strategy. Her expertise in retail, commerce and brand management comes from over 20 years' experience within Regional Senior Leadership roles (both in London and Scotland) for Sainsbury's, where she delivered one of the most significant expansion plans, transforming Sainsbury's Market Share, Sales, Customer Service and Profitability in Scotland. Her new role within Gretna Green Ltd will direct the overall business growth strategy through investment in both domestic and global marketing, ecommerce, trading and buying as well as the strategic planning of the wedding destination business.
Darren Lloyd - Hotels Director, formerly General Manager of Hotels, will be responsible for strategy, operations, revenue and service delivery across the combined estate of hotels: Smiths Hotel, Gretna Hall Hotel and Greens at Gretna Hotel. In addition, Darren's new role will include leadership of the maintenance strategy across the portfolio of properties and health and safety compliance across the group. A lifelong hospitality professional, prior to joining Gretna Green Ltd Darren brings experience gained from successful leadership of management teams in large hospitality businesses such as Swallow, Thistle and Marriott Hotel groups.
Joyce Bell - Financial Director, formerly Financial Controller, will direct the company's financial accounts, controls and management information in conjunction with implementing new Information Technology systems and assuming responsibility for utilities contracts throughout the group. Joyce has over 20 years of financial management experience gained previously from working in senior positions in both the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and latterly Pringle of Scotland prior to joining Gretna Green Ltd.
Alasdair Houston, Chairman of Gretna Green Ltd says:
"These three exceptional individuals have all been with me at Gretna Green for some time. They
have complementary skill sets and fully deserve their progression which empowers this leadership
team to drive the business with a clear commercial focus whilst reflecting the culture and values that
are important to me in our family business. My vision is that we continue our journey of brand
elevation, making Gretna Green an exemplary world class destination built on our unique heritage of
love and romance, offering great modern-day experiences to our customers as well as opportunities
for our colleagues."
Over the last twelve months, Gretna Green Ltd has been nominated for a varied selection of awards
including the China Britain Business Council, China Welcome Award in recognition of the work
carried out to make Gretna Green a welcoming destination to the visiting Chinese market.
Awards won over the last twelve months include:
• Tourism Champion of the year 2018 - Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards
• Contemporary Hotel Bar of the year 2019, Smiths Hotel (South West) - Scottish Hotel
Awards
• Informal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year 2019, Smiths Hotel (South West) - Scottish Hotel
Awards
• Intimate Wedding Hotel of the Year, Smiths Hotel (South West) - Scottish Hotel Awards
• Small Conference Hotel of the Year, Smiths Hotel (South West) - Scottish Hotel Awards

http://www.gretnagreen.com

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