Interchange & Consort Hotels - home of the Best Western and Beacon brands in the UK - has announced Rob Payne has been appointed as chief executive officer of the company.

Payne, previously chief commercial officer of the company, stepped in as interim chief executive in March 2015.

In his three months in the role, he has played an instrumental part in the business, bringing his strategic and commercial background at BUPA and East Coast to ensure a new focus, accountability and direction to Interchange & Consort Hotels.

Having proved an extremely capable and impressive candidate for the permanent position, the board of directors has now appointed Rob to lead the business.

Working alongside the board, he will continue to use his analytical background to grow the business, without losing his forward-thinking ideology.

Payne commented: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue my journey with Best Western Great Britain and Beacon as chief executive.

“It is a privilege to lead both brands and to work with such a talented collection of hoteliers, incredible staff and the fantastic team at ICH.

“I look forward to leading the company into further commercial growth for our members and to continue to provide a leading guest experience for our customers.”

Payne will now work closely with the leadership team and the board to make decisions around any further appointments he would like to make in the coming months.

Best Western GB is the largest collection of independently owned and family run hotels in Great Britain.