Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of a new general manager for the Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh, located on the Royal Mile.

Malcolm Rann, returns to the capital following a four year stint managing five star hotels in the Middle East and Africa.  He takes the helm at one of the most exciting times in the hotel’s history as it undergoes a £5 million refurbishment programme.  The investment by the Brussels-based hotel group, owners since November 03, marks the most significant investment in the hotel in over ten years, transforming the hotel to give it a contemporary Scottish look.

Mr Rann, who has over twenty years experience in the industry took up his first general manager position in Edinburgh in 1999 at The George Intercontinental.

He said: “I am delighted to return to Edinburgh at a time when the tourism industry looks in much better shape than when I left. Both business and leisure tourism are on the up and the expansion of direct and indirect air routes into the city has made Edinburgh more accessible than ever before.

“This is very much a homecoming for me and it’s great to be joining the Radisson SAS team at such an exciting time for the hotel and brand. The new refurbishment will enable the Radisson SAS to start punching its weight once again.”

Mr Rann was previously General Manager at the 5 star Al Bustan Palace InterContinental in Muscat, and Director of Operations for all InterContinental Hotel operations in Oman. Prior to that appointment he was General Manager of the Hotel InterContinental in Asmara, Eritrea.

Mr Rann continues: “The main challenges I faced in Africa and the Middle East were cultural differences in training the local workforce to be able to meet the needs of international guests.  Despite the obvious differences in working in a Western culture, the same challenges exist throughout the hospitality industry where effective recruitment, training and retention of staff are the key to success.” 

On joining the hotel group he said: “Radisson SAS Hotels and Resorts are a young dynamic family-style organisation now enjoying a strong Scottish representation.  With ambitious expansion plans in the pipeline, it is an exciting company to be part of.”

The refurbishment programme is now underway and will be completed by May this year. Careful planning will allow the hotel to remain open throughout with the minimum disruption to guests. 
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