BUILDING upon an already long and successful record of service to the award-winning Crerar Hotels Group, Marc Gardner has now been appointed as cluster general manager of its Oban Bay Hotel and the Glencoe Inn & Gathering.
Marc has been with Crerar Hotels for 17 years and takes on the elevated role following four years as GM of the Oban Bay Hotel and twelve years previously as GM at the Group’s Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa in Inveraray.
Bringing with him more than 30 years of industry experience, Marc started in the hospitality sector as a porter at the age of 14, working his way up to waiter before taking on a number of management roles including deputy general manager, before securing his first GM position with the Swallow Hilltop Hotel in Carlisle, aged 28.
Following some time in Edinburgh, Marc joined Crerar Hotels Group in 2006 and hasn’t looked back since. He said: “When I joined Crerar Hotels, I felt I was joining a family, and the opportunities I have experienced as part of that family have been exceptional.
“Very often the perception of careers in hospitality is regarded as a stop-gap or short-lived, but working in a supportive and encouraging environment that supports talent and promotes opportunity such as Crerar Hotels, puts paid to that, and shows a fantastic career can be built here.
“I am delighted to take on the role of cluster general manager of Oban Bay and the Glencoe Inn & Gathering. Both properties are situated in stunning locations and offer a truly authentic experience. Our teams work hard to ensure that each and every guest and visitor experience offers that warm welcome we pride ourselves on.”
Marc confessed to having ‘ideas and ambitions’ for both properties: “Even after 17 years with Crerar Hotels, I have a true passion for what we can deliver here and believe the teams we have are truly fantastic. I look forward to settling into this new role and seeing what the next 17 years may bring.”
CEO of Crerar Hotels, Chris Wayne-Wills, said: “Investment in our people and their development has been a key focus for Crerar Hotels for some time.
“Allowing people to thrive in an environment they are truly passionate about is at the heart of our success, so I am delighted to appoint Marc into his new role. His work with us over the last 17 years has certainly helped us meet those high standards we set ourselves in terms of customer experience and I have no doubt his passion and enthusiasm will extend into his new role.
“Our business continues to expand and grow, and our recent win as the AA Small Hotel Group of the Year shines a light on the focus we place on never standing still in building upon our ongoing success. I am delighted to have Marc on board as a pivotal part in our growth and future ambitions.”
