LONDON— Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts announced a number of changes to its senior management team designed to advance its worldwide business strategy in an increasingly difficult global travel market. Spearheading the new team will be current Deputy Chairman, Stephen Alexander, who now becomes Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Alexander will focus on further improving the performance of Le Meridiens 142 properties around the world. He brings to Le Meridien well-established skills in transforming the financial performance of a number of international brands. As part of the new line-up Juergen Bartels is elevated to joint chairman of Le Meridien, alongside Guy Hands of Terra Firma Capital Partners, Le Meridiens major equity investor. Richard Mahoney, who joined Le Meridien in August 2001 as president/COO has recently made the personal choice to rejoin his family in the United States. His role will not be replaced, said the company. Finlay McFadyen, currently a managing director at Terra Firma, was appointed as senior vp/corporate development, a new position with responsibility for overseeing asset strategy including Le Meridiens sale and leaseback program. Currently human resources director at Terra Firma, Sue Wright was named senior vp/human resources for Le Meridien where she will focus on developing a robust people strategy and raising the bar in customer service. Regarding the appointments Alexander said: “With the continued downturn in the worlds travel industry and its dramatic impact on the hotel sector, we decided that it was an appropriate time to further strengthen Le Meridiens senior management team. Our new line-up, focused specifically on driving performance, will complement JBs deep industry knowledge, compelling passion for the business and his vision for the future.”
