Guoman Hotels brings in Michael Parker to head up the Grosvenor

Press Release Date: 30 Sep, 2010

Guoman Hotels has appointed Michael Parker as general manager of The Grosvenor Victoria, soon to become the newest addition to the Guoman collection.

Parker’s appointment will see a direct reporting line into managing director, Heiko Figge, with Parker having full responsibility for the further development of the Victoria Station-based property throughout its ongoing £18million restoration programme; scheduled to be complete by the end of 2011.

Parker brings to the role, over 15 years experience in the hospitality industry and previous success managing hotels across both the Guoman and Thistle brands.

Most recently, Parker led preparations for the opening of Guoman Hotels’ first international hotel in June 2010 - Guoman Shanghai. Taking control of the hotel’s completion and opening budgets, Parker was general manager for a year in the run-up to its opening, helping transfer the Guoman ethos and standards to the Chinese market.

Heiko Figge, managing director, Guoman and Thistle Hotels comments:  “Michael has a proven track-record with the group; successfully implementing Guoman Hotels’ unique service and guest experience focus during his management of the Guoman Shanghai launch.  The transformation of The Grosvenor property is such a key refurbishment project for the group and we have every confidence Michael will ensure this investment results in an outstanding hotel with exceptional facilities; seeing it become the latest asset to the Guoman collection.”

The Grosvenor refurbishment will include a complete restyle to all bedrooms, public areas, restaurants and bars. The Grosvenor will also be introducing an authentic high-end Cantonese restaurant at the end of the year.