Thistle Hotels today announces the appointment of Steven Devine as General Manager of the County Hotel, Newcastle, the very same hotel he worked at just a couple of years into his career. Devine makes the move back ‘up north’ after three years overseeing Thistle’s Kensington Gardens hotel and Thistle Bloomsbury Park in Central London. He starts his new role at the County Hotel on 20th September 2010.

Born and bred in County Durham and having studied in Newcastle, Devine brings with him a wealth of experience, built up over his 17 years of working for Thistle. After starting his career at the nearby Thistle Middlesbrough hotel, he has since undertaken a variety of roles within the group, from Trainee Manager to Food & Beverage Manager.

As General Manager of the County Hotel, Devine will be responsible for maintaining the smooth and efficient operations of the property, to ensure it continues to see an increase in occupancy rates and the impeccable levels of customer service its guests have come to expect. He will oversee the day-to-day management of the hotel and its staff, along with the financial management, planning and direction of the hotel.

Commenting on his move, Steven Devine said: ‘‘Thistle has provided me with some fantastic opportunities throughout my career, and being given the chance to move back to my home town of Newcastle and oversee a hotel with such potential was one I simply couldn’t turn down. Its great location in the heart of the city and the current refurbishment taking place puts us in a great position for increasing occupancy amongst the business and leisure markets alike.”

Ewing Stewart, Regional Operations Director, Thistle Hotels, comments: “The County Hotel has undergone significant investment in recent months, transforming it into one of the city’s leading business and leisure hotels so we welcome Steven at an incredibly exciting time. We’re confident that his reputation within the group and his wealth of experience will help us to continue bringing a first rate guest experience to customers old and new. ’’