Seasoned Crerar Hotels manager takes the reins as opening countdown commences for Balmoral Arms
AN expert general manager has taken her place at the helm of one of Crerar Hotels’ highland properties – spearheading its royal repositioning after a multi-million-pound investment.
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Seasoned hotelier Joanna Whysall joins from her most recent role as general manager at the Scottish hotel group’s Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, to take the reins at its sister property in Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside, which is currently undergoing a £2.2million refurbishment.
Formerly known as the Deeside Inn, the property will re-launch in the coming months as the Balmoral Arms, with Joanna heading up the team striving for five-star status off the back of the seven-figure transformation.
Joanna dedicated six years to the Crerar Hotels property in Ballater from 2012 to 2018 and is excited to move back to the area to oversee the final stages of the refurbishment and rebranding – including a recruitment drive to build the team that will re-launch the new proposition. For the last two years Joanna has focused on developing Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, leading the team to record results.
A total of 29 roles will be created within the local area including chefs, housekeeping, and food and beverage team members – with opportunities to suit experienced hoteliers as well as those looking to embark on a career in the industry.
Balmoral Arms is perfectly situated in the Cairngorms for those seeking adventure on their days off, and only an hour from Aberdeen. With over £1m invested into team development, a position with Crerar Hotels promises ongoing training and development opportunities, some of the highest salaries in the industry, as well as regular Fair Fund payments.
All team members will, alongside Joanna, play a key role in the launch of the Balmoral Arms following its extensive refurbishment, which will bring a range of suites and deluxe rooms as well as a new dining experience and spa treatment rooms to the Ballater retreat, which is just moments from the Scottish residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Joanna Whysall, General Manager of the Balmoral Arms, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be leading the launch of Balmoral Arms at such an exciting and crucial time.
“Having been part of the Crerar Hotels family for a number of years, I’m well aware of the high standards of authentic Scottish hospitality that our guests are accustomed to and I’m looking forward to recruiting an outstanding team to re-open what will undoubtedly be a five-star proposition in the heart of Royal Deeside – and at the most fitting time, during a milestone Jubilee year.”
Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, said: “We’re delighted to name Joanna as the new General Manager of the soon-to-launch Balmoral Arms. We’re investing heavily in creating a retreat fit for royalty and Joanna is an absolute expert when it comes to ensuring the level of service that goes along with such a proposition.
“I have every confidence that Joanna will create an outstanding team that will not only thrive, but also achieve real success during the final stages of the refurbishment, and beyond.”
For more information visit www.crerarhotels.com/deeside-inn/
