Beaconsfield: Growing Starboard Hotels appoints new managing director

Beaconsfield-headquartered Starboard Hotels has announced the appointment of Keith Griffiths as its new managing director as founder and current MD Paul Callingham moves into the role of chairman. 

Griffiths, a well-respected figure in the hospitality sector and a long-term associate of Paul Callingham’s, is set to take up the post in September, following a career spanning over 30 years, many in senior leadership roles, most recently as managing director of the award-winning Atlas Hotels business.

As part of Starboard Hotels strategic growth plans, Griffiths will lead the senior management team from Starboard’s headquarters in Beaconsfield, while Callingham concentrates on further developing the hotel portfolio.

Announcing the appointment, Callingham said. “This is an extremely exciting phase in the growth of our company, and I know that Keith will be passionate about our portfolio and doing the best by the people within it. We now own and operate a portfolio of what is soon-to-be 21 hotels, with over 2500 rooms, employing over 500 talented people. Keith will be 100% focused on driving and building the business. As chairman, I will focus on growing the portfolio through further acquisitions, development and financing.”

A seasoned hotelier, Griffiths’ career included extensive operational and general management experience prior to spending 18 years with Atlas Hotels, the last 13 as managing director where he led an ambitious growth phase, increasing to 47 hotels through a combination of acquisition and development.

Commenting on his new appointment Griffiths said, “It is very important to me that I work with like-minded people. The team at Starboard share my passionate belief that sustained achievement; financial success, commercial and operational excellence can only be accomplished with an engaged and motivated team delivering a fabulous experience for our guests. There is no doubt that Starboard has this philosophy at its heart, as do I."

He continued: “Starboard is at a fantastic stage in the development of the company. It has grown so rapidly in the course of the last few years to the point that it is now a substantial sized business. There is a lot to do so that we continue to build and develop on this success over the coming months and years. I will work with the strong management team to optimise the existing business and continue to grow Starboard together with Paul.”

Callingham added: “Many people know that my background is in property investment. I am an accidental hotelier, so the next chapter in the corporate growth strategy is to allow somebody to take the reins. I am delighted Keith is joining us. I will stay as Chairman and will remain very active, focusing on growing the portfolio through further acquisitions, development and financing. We wish Keith a hearty welcome to our family.”