ATLANTA (February 25, 2020) – Valor Hospitality Partners, which owns, operates, asset manages and consults on over 80+ hotels worldwide, announced today Graham Wood’s departure from the company. The co-founder and managing partner of Valor’s Africa and Middle East divisions is joining Sun International Casinos and Resorts, a South African resort hotel chain and casino, as COO.
“Graham and Valor previously contracted with Sun International Casinos and Resorts to assist its hotels division, and they offered him a permanent senior position as a result of his outstanding work,” said Euan McGlashan, Valor’s global co-founder and CEO. “Valor is fully supportive of his move; we’re honored one of our senior partners’ talent was recognized and wish Graham enormous success in his new endeavor. We look forward to continuing a long, productive relationship with Graham and Sun International Casinos and Resorts.”
As a result, Valor executives Michael Pownall, Tony Romer-Lee and McGlashan have restructured their roles to address needs created by Wood’s departure:
- Pownall, co-founder and managing partner, Africa & Middle East, will head global branded operations.
- Romer-Lee, co-founder and managing partner, Africa & Middle East, will now oversee Spier Wine Farm and the company’s luxury boutique, and game reserves and lodges.
- McGlashan, with his global support team, will dedicate more time leading business development efforts in Africa.
“This leadership revamp comes during a momentous time with Valor’s recent signings, including the new 131-room voco™ The Bank, Rosebank with IHG, and Marriott’s 1,000-room dual-branded AC and Residence Inn in Ras-Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates,” said McGlashan.
In just the last year, the company announced its expansion into the Africa, Asia and Middle East markets. Across the world, Valor provides a wide range of third-party management services, including food and beverage, capital fundraising, sales and marketing and development services.
In addition to the leadership team’s restructuring, Valor Africa has appointed company veteran Joep Schoof to director of operations. Schoof, who most recently served as general manager of Spier Wine Farm, has been with the company since it was established in 2015.
Valor also welcomes Willie Williams as director of sales and marketing. Williams brings over 20 years of senior corporate and independent hotel sales experience in Southern Africa to the team.
Finally, Valor’s U.S. and U.K. teams will commit significant resources across disciplines to ensure Valor’s Africa and Middle East services are bolstered with both local and global expertise.
For more information about the Valor Hospitality, please visit: https://valorhospitality.com/.
