Five-star hotel Seaton House in St Andrews has announced the appointment of Michael Davern to the role of general manager.
The hotel’s operator, Valor Hospitality Partners, has confirmed the appointment ahead of the restoration and reopening of the venue, which is scheduled for early 2025.
Seaton House also aims to employ 70 people ahead of its official opening.
Davern, who was recognised as ‘World General Manager of the Year’ by Preferred Hotels and Resorts in 2016, has described being given the opportunity to help create a place like home at the home of golf as “a dream come true”.
He will join the Valor team at the helm of Seaton House from Anantara’s The Marker Hotel in Dublin’s docklands, where he has worked as general manager since October 2021.
With 42 luxury bedrooms, including five suites and three junior suites, Seaton House aims to offer five-star luxury hospitality in the heart of St Andrews just a five-minute walk from the town’s many historic attractions, artisan shops, cosy cafes and fine dining experiences.
Davern said: “I have managed a number of well-known hotels but the opportunity to restore a local landmark to its rightful place in the heart of the community was too good to miss.
“Moving to Seaton House offers the chance to be part of something truly special and work in a town with such a proud history that can be felt around every cobbled corner. It is also a great opportunity to work alongside the amazing people at Valor Hospitality.”
He added: “From our first greetings, guests staying at Seaton House will feel our warm and genuine Scottish hospitality, in a space that resonates with their needs, in this charming old town.”
Euan McGlashan, global co-founder and CEO of Valor Hospitality Partners, said: “We are incredibly fortunate and excited to have Michael lead the charge for us at Seaton House. He is a world-class operator and is widely known in the global golf hospitality industry.
“I’ve known Michael personally for over 28 years. We first met when we both worked in South Africa, when he was managing the iconic golf resort, Fancourt in George and I was managing Cape Grace in Cape Town.”
He added: “Seaton House will benefit from his eye for detail, guest experience delivery, warmth with his team and peers, and his high energy. This will ensure we deliver on the Valor promise of best-in-class culture and commercial delivery.”
