Rocco Forte Hotels has announced the promotion of Rachel Ellen from head of finance to group finance director and her appointment to the main board of directors.

In addition to managing the central finance team, Ellen will be responsible for providing financial leadership to the group and its hotels.

She joins the executive committee and will report to Karim Naffah, managing director at Rocco Forte Hotels.

Since joining Rocco Forte Hotels 11 years ago, Ellen has held senior finance roles within the group and most recently served as head of finance since 2013.

Prior to this, Rachel worked at KPMG within its leisure and tourism division, managing large sector audits.

Of her appointment, Naffah said: “In addition to her proven technical skills, Rachel has accumulated a vast knowledge of our business over the years and brings a wealth of financial and commercial experience.

“She has been highly effective as head of finance and I am delighted to be working more closely with her in her new role.”