The new General Managers joining the group are:
- Sujith Kattezhath Gopinathan, leading Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel, with extensive experience from Pilani Hotels Group, Best Western, and Radisson Blu.
- Michelle Hickey, appointed to Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, known for her operational expertise and strong leadership.
- Saira Cieloszyk, now heading Holiday Inn Southend, focused on operational efficiency and guest experience.
- Nora Urbancova, returning to Aimbridge EMEA to manage Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station, after leading Ibis Styles Manchester Piccadilly.
- Jacqueline Turpin, taking the helm at The Harlow Hotel by Accor, following her experience at Holiday Inn Express Duxford-Cambridge.
- Frederik Deman, appointed to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent, bringing extensive hospitality experience from Le Sanglier des Ardennes in Belgium.
Strengthening leadership and operational structure
These appointments form part of Aimbridge EMEA’s broader initiative to reinforce its leadership framework and operational efficiency across Europe. Complementing this effort, the company also announced the appointments of Michelle McArdle as Commercial Director and Edward Holland as Director of Operations and Quality, further expanding its executive leadership;
Earlier this year, Allison Handy was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, strengthening the group’s commercial and strategic direction. Together, these moves underline Aimbridge’s long-term commitment to building a solid foundation of leadership and ensuring strategic consistency across its expanding portfolio.
David Anderson, President of Aimbridge EMEA, commented:
“Selecting the right general manager is vital for a hotel’s ongoing success, and we’re thrilled to see six exceptional leaders take their places at the helm of several of our UK and European properties. Some are new to Aimbridge, while others have grown into management roles within the company — which is great to see. However, they all share invaluable experience and a genuine passion for hospitality, qualities that will serve their teams and hotels well, ensuring their continued success.”
Supporting a phase of sustained growth
Following the addition of nine new properties in the first quarter of 2025, Aimbridge EMEA continues to expand its footprint and operational resources across the region . The appointment of six new General Managers reinforces this expansion, ensuring each property benefits from experienced leadership dedicated to operational excellence, brand alignment, and guest satisfaction.
By strengthening its management infrastructure and empowering local teams, Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA reaffirms its position as a dynamic and strategically driven third-party hotel operator — combining global expertise with local agility to drive performance across the European hospitality market.
