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UK: Holiday resorts and leisure destination operator Evergreen Escapes has announced the appointment of Geoff Cowley as its new CEO.
The former Awaze UK CEO who worked at Hoseasons’ parent company for a decade until 2020, joins the senior leadership team as the new operator plans a portfolio of 15-20 luxury leisure and residential lodge parks in the next five years.
The existing leadership team includes a wealth of experience across the domestic travel sector, including chief operating officer Luke Hansford, who for worked Hoseasons’ parent Awaze; marketing director Anna Baker, who previously worked for Lakeshore Leisure Group and Bourne Leisure; and operations director John Ryan, who held general manager roles at Bourne Leisure parks.
In September last year the group announced a multi-million-pound acquisition of one of the UK’s largest holiday resorts, The Manor and Ashbury Resorts in Okehampton, Devon.
The company plans “substantial” investment to modernise the accommodation and leisure facilities on offer at the spa and golf resort, with work already underway on the first phase of development.
Stephen Twiss, Evergreen Escapes Group Executive Chairman, says Cowley’s strong track record in developing and growing brands including Hoseasons and cottages.com makes him a perfect fit for Evergreen, and that the appointment demonstrates the company’s commitment to owning and operating between 15 to 20 aspirational leisure and residential lodge parks, within the next five years.
Cowley said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Evergreen team at such an exciting time for the business. We have ambitious plans for strategic growth and are well-placed to take advantage of the clear opportunities available in the luxury escapes and residential market.”
Highlights:
- Evergreen Escapes appoints Geoff Cowley as CEO to support long-term UK expansion plans
- Former Awaze UK CEO brings senior leadership experience from brands including Hoseasons and cottages.com
- Evergreen Escapes targets 15 to 20 luxury leisure and residential lodge parks across the UK within the next five years
- Appointment follows the acquisition of The Manor and Ashbury Resorts, with significant investment planned to upgrade accommodation and leisure facilities
