Leeu Collection has appointed Christophe Mercier as area general manager, UK & Europe.

Mercier will be based in London and will be responsible for all Leeu Collection related activities.

His first focus will be the re-opening of Linthwaite House in the Lake District in March 2018 following an extensive refurbishment and extension, followed by the launch of a London property on Newman Street in 2020 and the opening of Leeu’s Villa Querce in Florence in 2021.

Mercier has had a long and distinguished career in the hospitality world, spanning more than 25 years.

He has held a number of senior management positions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, including roles at iconic properties such as the Hotel Danieli in Venice, The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, and the W Paris Opera.

Commenting on his appointment, Mercier said: “Joining the Leeu Collection provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with a visionary and passionate owner, as well as expert team members, in the future development of this young brand’s journey, which, for me as an hotelier, is a lifetime dream.

“We already have solid foundations in South Africa’s Franschhoek on which we can build, creating more Leeu properties with exceptional selling points in the United Kingdom and Italy, while seeking other opportunities to grow our portfolio.”