Fairmont has announced the appointment of Franck Arnold as managing director and regional vice president of The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, as of September 21, 2020. His arrival at the hotel precedes the phased reopening of the London hotel, which will start on September 24.
Arnold is a figurehead of luxury hospitality with 30 years’ experience with IHG, Four Seasons, Rocco Forte, Ritz-Carlton and independent hotels in Europe and North America.
Arnold says: “I’m both honoured and humbled to take on the role of Managing Director of The Savoy and Regional Vice President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. We’re living through exceptional times, which create many challenges, but also opportunities. I’m excited to be working with a team of extraordinary people, who I know are as committed as I’m to rebuilding our business and re-establishing The Savoy as a beacon of luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most diverse and cosmopolitan cities.”
The Savoy is taking a phased approach to reopening. The Savoy Grill will open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from September 21, while from September 24, the hotel will reopen for Afternoon Tea in Thames Foyer and drinks and bar bites in the Beaufort Bar. Bookings for overnight stays are now open from October 1, when the hotel’s pool and gym will also reopen.
As confidence in travel and dining and drinking out increases, The Savoy will reopen its other outlets, the American Bar, Kaspar’s at The Savoy and Simpsons in the Strand.
In addition to his Managing Director role at The Savoy, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, Franck Arnold will oversee operations at Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam and Fairmont Windsor Park, which is expected to open in Spring 2021.