Ignace Bauwens appointed as CEO at Hand Picked Hotels

Julia Hands will be stepping down from her CEO position but will remain as chairman

By Wendy Golledge

13 December 2023

www.handpickedhotels.co.uk

Hand Picked Hotels (HPH) has appointed Ignace Bauwens as its new chief executive officer.

As CEO, Bauwens will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, including the implementation of a number of core initiatives at individual hotel level. His objective will be to make Hand Picked Hotels the top collection of destination hotels in the UK and Channel Islands.

Bauwens replaces Julia Hands, HPH’s outgoing chairman and CEO. Hands will remain with the collection of 21 luxury country house hotels as chairman.

“I am thrilled to be joining HPH. The business has tremendous potential to become the leading destination hotel group in the UK. It will be part of my responsibility to harness its existing talent and drive the ongoing initiatives to take HPH to the next level.”

Ignace Bauwens

CEO, Hand Picked Hotels

Ignace Bauwens joins HPH with 30 years’ experience

Bauwens bring with him more than 30 years’ experience in leadership roles across a number of international hospitality groups. He joins HPH from Corinthia Hotels, where he was chief operating officer.

Throughout his career, Bauwens has been responsible for focusing on quality, product evolution and managing large portfolios through challenging times. He has a passion for restaurants and bars, having started his career in food and beverage.

Bauwens has previously held roles as COO of Roya International in Dubai and regional vice-president of the Middle East, Eurasia and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Prior to this, Bauwens spent 25 years in a variety of positions across a number of hospitality groups, including InterContinental Hotel Group and Accor Hotels.

Lady posing for the camera in a blue suit jacket

“I am delighted to welcome Ignace, who brings with him a wealth of leadership experience. I'm confident he will guide the business in its ambitious objectives to provide an elevated, upscale service offering, as we continue to transform HPH into an exceptional hotel group.”

Julia Hands

Chairman, Hand Picked Hotels

New partnership with Noble Isle

HPH recently announced a new partnership with UK brand Noble Isle to create a more sustainable offering for guests through the use of refillable in-room bath and body products.

Products centred on Noble Isle’s Greenhouse fragrance have initially launched in six hotels across the collection.

HPH will offer refillable 250ml bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, hand lotion, shower gel and body lotion in each room.

At the end of its life, the packaging is all recyclable, and the bottles themselves are made from 50% recycled plastic.

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