Guoman Appoints James Berry as Hotel Manager at The Cumberland

LONDON, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Guoman Hotels has announced that it is bringing in the expertise of James Berry as hotel manager of The Cumberland.  Berry takes up his position at the vibrant Marble Arch property under the skilled direction of general manager, Tim Cordon.

With over 13 years industry experience, Berry will oversee the entire operational efficiency of the 1000-bedroomed hotel; ensuring a consistency of excellence across all departments, as well as being responsible for further developing the appeal of The Cumberland Hotel as a central London hotel destination.

Berry's strong track record in successfully managing multiple departments and projects within hotels including the Park Inn Bedford and the Park Inn Watford, and most recently, as general manager of the Park Inn Peterborough, made him an outstanding choice for the demanding management role within what is the Guoman collection's largest hotel.

Cordon, already impressed with Berry from their time working together within a previous role, commented: "James has an enduring passion and drive for the industry; apparent in everything he sets out to achieve.  His proven expertise, attention to detail and proactive attitude to continually enhancing service levels, will no doubt ensure The Cumberland Hotel continues to be a favoured deluxe hotel choice for central London.

Keenly anticipating his new role, Berry added: "I'm extremely proud to be welcomed into joining what is such a celebrated hotel, with many appealing features - including the Michelin-starred Rhodes W1 Brasserie and Fine Dining Restaurant - it's certainly a hotel that has lots to offer and sets a fantastic professional challenge. I've arrived with a real drive to exceed our guests' expectations."

The Cumberland is a striking, contemporary four-star deluxe property within the Guoman collection, which currently boasts four landmark London hotel properties as well as one in Shanghai.

Notes to editors:

About Guoman Hotels

Guoman Hotel Management Limited operates two hotel brands within the UK market; Guoman Hotels, an exclusive collection of deluxe hotels located in central London and Thistle Hotels, a chain of quality full service hotels in the UK's major cities.

Guoman Hotels in the UK consist of four landmark properties; Charing Cross, The Cumberland, The Royal Horseguards (current AA London Hotel of the Year 2010/11) and The Tower. Whilst each hotel in the portfolio is different with its own unique identity and style, they all provide the very highest levels of comfort and service to guests.

In 2010 Guoman Hotels launched internationally with the opening of a new property in Shanghai and with a property in Beijing to follow in 2011.  In the UK, The Grosvenor Victoria will join the collection in the near future.

Guoman Hotel Management Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GuocoLeisure Ltd, part of the Hong Leong Group which has hospitality and leisure businesses across the globe with hotels in Europe, USA, Australasia and Asia.

SOURCE Guoman Hotels