Two of Jersey’s top hotels have new managers who will be working alongside each other, under the direction of Simon Miller, General Manager of Hand Picked Hotels Jersey, to further align them as sister hotels.
Shaun McGachan has taken on the role of General Manager at the AA Five Star Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and Thomas Burford has been promoted to Hotel Manager at the AA Four Red Star L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa.
Shaun is a familiar face at Hand Picked Hotels in the Channel Islands, having joined the family in 2013 at St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Guernsey. He moved to Jersey in early 2018 to become Hotel Manager at L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa.
Shaun was born in Nottingham, educated in Tourism Management and then in Hotel Management at Cornell University in New York. He has over fifteen year’s managerial experience and has held numerous management roles in both the USA and UK.
Commenting on his new role, Shaun said: “I have loved my time at L’Horizon and have been involved in some fabulous projects including the launch of the wonderful new Terrace as well as the introduction of the Fusion restaurant, but I am now really looking forward to this new challenge further developing the offering at Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa.”
Thomas is no stranger to the hospitality industry either, having worked in the sector since he was 15. He has over 20 years’ management experience, having previously worked at a number of hotels including Hallmark Flitwick Manor and Hallmark Welcombe Hotel, Spa and Golf Club.
Thomas came to L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa as Deputy General Manager on secondment for three months in March this year but fell in love with both L’Horizon and Jersey.
Thomas said: “I’m really looking forward to continuing the great work Shaun has done, running a team we are all so proud of and maintaining the highest guest satisfaction score of all properties across the Group.
“I believe it’s important to exceed our guests’ expectations at every level, ensuring every element is perfect from the moment they walk through the door!
“Shaun and I will be working on some fresh ideas on how we can further align the two hotels, it’s an exciting time for both of us!”
Commenting on the promotions, Simon Miller, General Manager of Hand Picked Hotels Jersey said: “We’re delighted to see both Shaun and Thomas promoted to these positions. They are very deserving of their new roles and are both already great assets to the Hand Picked Hotels management team. I am confident our Channel Island businesses will continue to go from strength to strength under their leadership.”
