Hotel management specialist promotes from within to fill top role
RBH, a leading, UK-based independent hotel management, and services company, has today announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer.
The business has yet promoted from within to fill another senior position, with Chief Financial Officer David Hart set to take up the position on 1 February 2021.
David will succeed Founder and current CEO Helder Pereira, who will step down.
After spending the early part of his career at PwC qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, David originally joined RBH originally in 2005 and has remained a key part of the business, overseeing the entire finance operation, amongst other responsibilities, and ensuring ongoing support and confidence from shareholders – including throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
David’s appointment comes just months after RBH announced another senior internal appointment which saw Susan Bland step into the role of Managing Director.
He said: “It’s an absolute honour to take on the role of CEO for RBH. Having spent most of my career within the business, I feel like I have grown alongside it, learning about the industry from some of the most experienced hoteliers in the business. The team at RBH is nothing short of brilliant, and it is a privilege to work alongside each and every one of them.
“In particular, I’ve been fortunate enough to work exceptionally closely with Helder on our business strategy over the years and know that he has laid the foundations to enable myself and the wider executive team to continue on a successful path.
“I am thrilled to step into the role as our team heads into a new chapter and a new year, with a clear focus on overcoming the challenges that the hospitality industry currently faces, whilst continuing to expand our existing portfolio. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve already announced a number of new hotel management agreements in the past few months, including AC by Marriott Glasgow and Holiday Inn Blackpool – it’s a very exciting time for the business.
“The third-party management marketplace is set for continued growth as many owners and investors continue to switch to independent operators to manage their hospitality assets. This has become even more evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, where investors have seen the benefits of working with experienced operators who can manage in both the highs and lows in this exciting industry of ours.”
Helder Pereira, who has been CEO of RBH for the last 10 years, will remain part of the business as a Board Director.
He said: “My time as CEO of RBH has been an outstanding chapter in a wonderful and long career in the hospitality industry. Whilst I am somewhat sad to step down, as I have worked with a magnificent team and have a close relationship with many of our owners, it is the right time to move on for personal reasons. I am more than confident that I leave the business in the most capable hands with Dave at the helm.
“We have worked closely together for the last six years. Dave has proven to be a key member of the RBH Executive Team and has been instrumental in working alongside me to plan and drive our business strategy. It was important for me to leave a very capable team who can take advantage of the growth in the sector. With his industry experience and business acumen, Dave – alongside Susan as MD and the rest of the Executive Team – will no doubt steer RBH in the right direction for years to come, while continuing to inspire confidence among the RBH team and the investor community.”
Susan Bland, Managing Director of RBH, said: “This is a bittersweet moment for the team at RBH, as we prepare to say goodbye to an outstanding leader in Helder, but prepare to welcome an exceptional leader in Dave.
“This year has been one of the most challenging periods in our industry’s history, but I am looking forward to working alongside Dave to take RBH into the New Year with renewed energy. Having worked with Dave for a number of years, I can say with absolute certainty he is the right man for the job.”
