Having recently announced its UK portfolio growth, Valor Hospitality has expanded its central leadership team, with Ed Cross’s promotion to operations director.
As part of his new role, Cross will join existing operations directors Phil Bland and Mark Thacker in overseeing the running of Valor’s 34 high-profile hotels within its portfolio, under brands including IHG, Hilton and Marriott properties.
With over 20 years of hospitality experience in various managerial positions across the UK, most recently as the general manager at Valor’s DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly, Cross brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.
Beginning his Valor career in 2016 as general manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Chester, Cross played an integral part in the extensive investment and repositioning of the hotel and spa, before moving on to Manchester in 2019.
Commenting on his new role, Cross said, “Following its recent expansion and further growth plans, it’s a really exciting time at Valor and I couldn’t be happier to be taking on this next step forward in my career.
“Over the past 18 months, the sector has experienced unprecedented challenges, but Valor Hospitality has the opportunity to bounce-back even stronger, and I’m looking forward to contributing towards the company’s growth, working with new owners across the UK and overseeing the wider hotel portfolio.”
Brian McCarthy, managing director UK & Europe, said, “I’m really pleased for Ed. I’m a firm believer in developing our talent internally, nurturing their leadership capabilities and providing career opportunities to those who have proven themselves in our organisation.
“The industry is currently facing significant people challenges and developing our own talent and leaders is the only way to move forward. Not only do we then know that we’ve got the very best people in those roles, but it also helps underpin our culture and strengthen our key messages because they’re coming from people that really live and breathe them.
'As we continue to grow, with our existing owners as well as new partners, we will always have opportunities for top talent.'
Valor Hospitality Europe has recently announced its most recent operating agreement with the addition of 17 hotels to its portfolio across the UK, consisting of 2,374 guest rooms at 15 Holiday Inns and two Crowne Plazas.