Paul Pomroy appointed CEO of Warner Leisure Hotels

With almost 30 years’ experience in the hospitality trade, Paul joins Warner Leisure Hotels from McDonald’s. During his time at McDonald’s, Paul held senior leadership roles, including as CEO of McDonald’s UK, where he delivered consistent growth driven by a customer-centric focus and a thorough approach to service excellence. Most recently, he held the role as Chief Restaurant Officer & Corporate Senior Vice President, International Operated Markets.

In his new role as CEO, Paul will continue to pursue Warner Leisure Hotels’ expansion programme, building on the success of the business’ recent investment in its portfolio of high-quality hotels.

In 2023, Warner Leisure completed the acquisition of two high-quality hotels – Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, near Edinburgh, and Forest of Arden Country Club, near Birmingham. Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Warner Leisure Hotels’ first hotel in Scotland, is an attractive Grade A manor house set in over 1,000 acres and only 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and 50 minutes from Glasgow. The 4-star hotel has 215 bedrooms, with two golf courses, two restaurants, two bars, a leisure club, tennis courts and conference facilities.

The Forest of Arden Country Club is a 4-star golf hotel, located in the Midlands. The hotel is set in over 10,000 acres of woodlands and has 214 bedrooms, multiple lounges and bars, two golf courses including a championship course, tennis courts, a leisure club and conference facilities.

Following these recent acquisitions, the brand now boasts 18 hotels set in idyllic country and coastal surroundings, including Heythrop Park in the Cotswolds, Studley Castle in Warwickshire, and Runnymede on Thames in Greater London.

Since acquiring Bourne Leisure in 2021, which also includes the UK’s leading holiday park provider, Haven, Blackstone has invested close to £500m across its holiday parks and hotels. The commitment to Warner Leisure Hotels’ growth story is reflected in its investment of almost £120m to renovate, refurbish and expand the portfolio.

Paul Flaum, CEO, Bourne Leisure, said: “As we look towards the future growth potential of the company, we are thrilled to welcome Paul Pomroy to the team. His proven track record in leading exceptionally high performing teams and providing a great experience for customers makes him a huge asset to Warner Leisure Hotels. I believe Paul is extremely well placed to take the company into this next chapter, and I look forward to working closely with him and the broader teams to drive ongoing success.”

 Paul Pomroy, CEO, Warner Leisure Hotels, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Warner at an exciting time, as the brand continues to propel its growth strategy and build on its compelling short break proposition.

 “As a beloved British brand, I’m eager to bring my hospitality experience to this next phase, working together with my new colleagues and the executive team to further strengthen the Warner experience for guests and team alike.”

James Seppala, Head of Blackstone Real Estate Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul Pomroy, who brings a wealth of leadership experience to the business, and a proven track record in the hospitality sector. Hospitality is one of our highest conviction themes globally and following the recent acquisitions of Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club and The Forest of Arden Country Club, Warner is in a strong position to capitalise on the growth of the domestic tourism market. I am confident Paul will continue to build on the success of the business and deliver value to our investors.”