Chris Cooper is joining luxury hotel The Grand, York as the newly appointed Hotel Manager. Chris is an accomplished hospitality professional with over 10 years’ experience in the industry, who demonstrates a history of managing hotels in the four and five red star markets.
Prior to joining The Grand, Chris acquired quality experience spanning large corporate brands, city centre hotels, and privately owned luxury properties, including Director of Operations at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort; House Manager at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa; and a temporary, supporting role as Operations Manager at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa.
In 2019, Chris became a St Julian Scholar (SJS), benefiting from leading Executive Education at Cranfield University and completing the Talent Development Programme. The St Julian Scholar is a management course designed to take professionals from managers to leaders. The scholarships provide invaluable training and development in managerial skills, industry best practices, market evolution and global future challenges. In 2019, Chris also became an elected Member of the Institute of Hospitality.
Chris’ experience within the hospitality industry since 2009, where he started as a Food and Beverage Operative, has allowed him to master the ability to lead engaged, motivated, and passionate teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences continuously and effectively across all levels of the business.
With lots of exciting new projects in the pipeline, from gin gardens to new dining outlets and a focus on sustainability, Chris is a brilliant and exciting addition to the team at The Grand. His role and focus will span multiple operational projects as well as mentoring and developing the team, positioning the hotel as a great place to build a career and showcasing it’s exceptional workplace culture.
Chris is eager to continue to support the hotel to welcome guests from across the globe and offer a luxury destination with impeccable service, as the historical and cultural city’s only five-star hotel.
