Crerar Hotels has announced the appointment of new general managers. John de Villiers will step into the role at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, while Scott McDonald (pictured) takes the reins at Thainstone House in Inverurie – bringing a combined total of 38 years’ industry experience to the Scottish hotel group.
Scott, who started his career in Scotland at Gleneagles, joins the team at Thainstone House from his most recent role as General Manager at Sydney House in Chelsea; whilst John is relocating to Mull, along with his wife and young son, from Namibia where he most recently worked as General Manager at AM Weinberg Boutique Hotel in Namibia.
Both General Managers will be focused on ensuring the safest possible environments for staff and guests returning to their hotels ahead of re-opening.
Scott said, “I’m thrilled to take up my new post at Thainstone House, where my priority will be on raising the hotel’s already high standards and ensuring our guests receive nothing less than the first-class experience the property is renowned for. Whether guests stay with us for leisure, business, a spa day, or are simply dropping by for afternoon tea or a meal in our renowned Green Lady restaurant, we want them all to feel special and will do everything we can to ensure their every need is catered for.”
John said, “Joining the Crerar Hotels team on Mull in preparation for welcoming back guests is an honour. This stunning island retreat in such an idyllic setting was well-worth relocating for. The multi-million-pound refurbishment is creating the perfect destination in which to relax, absorb fresh coastal air and do some exploring – and I cannot wait to open our doors and welcome guests back to stay with us.”
Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO, of the Crerar Hotel Group, said, “John and Scott are fantastic additions to the Crerar Hotels family, with extensive experience across the hospitality industry. As we begin to re-establish ourselves following the latest lockdown, we look towards new chapters for both Thainstone House and Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, and I’m confident both John and Scott will do a stellar job providing the exceptional service expected of our hotels.”