One of the UK’s largest independent hotel chains have announced the internal advancement of Simon Jackson to his new position as Group Sales Director and Chief Executive to their Group Board. This promotion comes after thirteen years of working for Macdonald Hotels and Resorts Group, Simon who progressed from Group Sales Director, a position which he had held since early 2013, has previously been in many other varied appointments since he joined the company in 2003.
Hearing the news of his colleague’s new role Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director Gordon Fraser said:
“Simon’s appointment to the group board reflects his substantial contribution to the company over the last 13 years in various roles and he will play a significant role in the next phase of the company’s development.”
With Simon adding:
“This is an enormously exciting time for the company, with significant opportunities to build on our strong performances in recent years. The board has high ambitions and a clear commitment to invest in our people and our customer experience across the estate.”
Mr Jackson´s first outing was as Marketing Director of Macdonald Resorts which he achieved after working his way across the USA, Europe and the Caribbean in employment for the likes of well-known Timeshare company Diamond Resorts International and Airtours tour operators who work alongside agent Thomas Cook. Within two years he had moved up the ladder again to become Chief Executive of the Resorts business in 2005 going on to help reshape and mould the brand to what it is today.
During a large part of this time Mr Jackson has publicly been a customer facing media spokesperson for Macdonald Hotels and Resorts Group, with many of the well publicised damming articles about the group quoting Mr Jackson. He has actively given various statements during this period of time and vocally defended the company on their continued steep increase in management fees and also the complete disregard they show when vulnerable elderly, health stricken clients request to relinquish their ownership to no avail.
With the Company boasting a near 100% occupancy rate at their newly opened Macdonald Monchique Hotel & Spa, a five-star luxury resort in the Serra de Monchique mountains of the Algarve, one would question this new appointment while we still await any transparency for the huge amount of unsatisfied customers.
Mr Jacksons new role will be one to watch and possibly taken with a pinch of salt until the consumer begins to see changes in how the board deal with their longstanding clients going forward.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk