Rob Paterson, who joined BWH Hotel Group in 2018, has decided to leave the brand which represents almost 300 independently-owned hotels in GB.
In his place, Tim Rumney, (pictured), who has been Chairman of the group’s board for five years and Board Member for 12 years, is stepping into the role of Interim CEO for a period of at least six months, providing stability and continuity for employees and hotels within the membership organisation.
Paterson and Rumney have worked together to guide the business through the most challenging times in its history.
The group has worked tirelessly to champion the industry during the pandemic; supporting Government and the NHS through various initiatives including converting hotels into hospitals during the peak of Covid 19, and pioneered housing keyworkers and vulnerable groups in their hotels to safely shield them from the virus.
Paterson appeared alongside Rumney and other BW hoteliers in the national TV series A Great British Hotel Chain on Channel 4, aired in 2020, which saw them generate record-breaking enquiry levels of hotels wanting to join the brand.
Rumney has over 30 years of hospitality experience in hotel groups and the independent sector, owning and operating multiple Best Western hotels, as well as being an independent Hospitality Consultant, advising many other hotel operators during his career.
Rumney has worked closely with Paterson to restructure the business prior to the pandemic and implement a more proactive hotel development strategy and advanced technology solutions over the last three years.
On Paterson’s departure and his new role within BWH Hotel Group, Rumney said, “It has been a pleasure working alongside Rob since 2018, where his commercial acumen and hospitality expertise has truly benefitted our brand portfolio.
'At a time where hospitality businesses are still suffering, I am proud to be stepping in as Interim CEO for the brand, to continue the great work Rob and his team have been doing throughout the pandemic, to best support our hotels.
'We have exciting opportunities ahead of us to refocus the organisation for our members as we emerge from the pandemic and move into the recovery mode as a more effective commercial business whilst retaining our ‘by hotelier for hotelier’ ethos.”
Earlier this year, the membership organisation reported a surge in new hotels joining their brand portfolio, including the addition of World Hotels Distinctive Collection Ten Hill Place in Edinburgh, taking its total to almost 300 members.