Former Marriott Marbella Beach Resort general manager Morten Skumsrud is first into the newly-created position and will report into the hotel's general manager Stuart Bowery.
Having spent the last six years at the beach resort hotel, Skumsrud decided he wanted to gain experience working in a top city hotel, so when he heard about the opportunity, decided to apply.
In his new position, Skumsrud will oversee all operational departments and coordinate with other divisions in a similar role to a deputy general manager.
Bowery said: “Morten’s strong track record in the luxury segment and within Marriott International will stand him in good stead for this exciting and challenging new position. I congratulate him, wish him all the success and look forward to having him on the team at Grosvenor House.”
Career progression
Norwegian-born Skumsrud gained a BA in hotel management from the International College of Hospitality Administration in Brig, Switzerland and a BS in hospitality administration from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas before enrolling on the executive training programme with Mirage Hotels.
He worked at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for seven years before returning to Europe where he joined Marriott's first Scandinavian hotel in Copenhagen as an executive management trainee. He worked his way up to director of operations before moving to Marbella in 2006.
Grosvenor House A JW Marriott hotel first opened its doors in 1929, quickly establishing itself as a haven for wealthy Americans. It underwent renovations in 2008 and re-opened under the JW Marriott brand.
To read about the latest appointments in the hospitality industry see our feature People on the Move in Hospitality: March 2012