Premier Inn owner Whitbread has recruited Stuart Hookins as estates director for the UK & Ireland, bringing more than 25 years of experience in senior property leadership and corporate finance role.
Hookins joins Whitbread as outgoing estates director Simon Hobbs prepares to retire after around 20 years with the business.
Hookins was most recently group property director at Royal Mail Group, where he was responsible for a nationwide estate of more than 1,800 properties and led major programmes of investment, acquisitions and disposals.
Prior to that he spent 17 years at The Co-operative Group, progressing through a series of senior property roles before being appointed managing director of property.
Hobbs formally retires from Whitbread on 1 September. During his time with the business he is credited with playing a key role in Whitbread's switch from a diversified leisure company into a pure-play hotel business focused on Premier Inn.
"He also helped shape and deliver initiatives to generate value from the company’s estate, including its asset intensification programme, sale and leasebacks of select trading hotels, and the active management of under-utilised land assets," the business said.
Mark Anderson, managing director for property and international at Whitbread, said: "Simon has played a hugely important role in shaping and managing Whitbread’s property estate during his time with us.
"He has led the management and development of our hotel and restaurant portfolio, overseen significant transactions, and helped the business navigate significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
"His contribution to the company over nearly two decades has been exceptional, and he leaves a legacy to be proud of. I want to thank him for everything he has done for Whitbread and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement."
He added: "I’m pleased to welcome Stuart Hookins to Whitbread. Our property estate is one of Whitbread’s competitive strengths and as we continue to invest in growth and generate additional value from our portfolio, Stuart’s experience in leading large-scale property programmes and delivering value from major national estates will be an important asset to the business. I’m looking forward to working with him."
Hookins will take over responsibility for one of the UK’s largest hospitality property portfolios, comprising more than 845 Premier Inn hotels and over 86,000 trading bedrooms across the UK and Ireland.
As part of its five-year plan the company intends to recycle £1.5 billion of freehold property by FY31, while continuing to support the growth of Premier Inn and create additional value through "redevelopment, asset intensification and the active management of its property portfolio".
Hookins said: "Whitbread has one of the strongest and most distinctive property portfolios in the UK hospitality sector, underpinned by hugely successful hotel brands, a predominantly freehold estate and a clear long-term growth strategy.
"The opportunity to join Whitbread at such an important point was incredibly attractive. I look forward to working with colleagues across the business to maximise the value of the estate, support Premier Inn’s continued expansion and help deliver the ambitions set out in the company’s five-year plan."