Rocco Forte Collection

The Balmoral appoints new general manager

The Rocco Forte Collection has appointed Ivan Artolli to take over the helm of Edinburgh's leading luxury hotel, The Balmoral, from Debbie Taylor when she departs this summer.

Debbie Taylor leaves The Rocco Forte Collection for pastures new at the end of August 2007 having amassed an outstanding 70 prestigious accolades for The Balmoral during her three year tenure at the hotel.

These include: :
  • RAC Hotelier of the Year
  • Four Scottish Thistle Awards
  • Five HotelReviewScotland Awards
  • Three times awarded a place on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List
  • Twice voted Top Urban Day Spa in Scotland by Condé Nast Traveler
Debbie's vision for Rocco Forte's The Balmoral has been "to be the best hotel in Britain". She has implemented a cutting-edge customer care training strategy to ensure that her team is equipped with the essential skills with which to provide an outstanding experience for all guests and visitors. During her three and a half years at The Balmoral Debbie has overseen the hotel's £7 million refurbishment, launched Scotland's only Bollinger Bar at Palm Court and spearheaded the award winning Five Star Kids concept. Her dynamism and innovation in the hospitality industry was most recently recognised when she was invited to become a Master Innholder and Freeman of the City of London.

Ivan Artolli will join The Balmoral at the end of the summer. He has over 30 years experience in the luxury hotel market and is currently General Manager at Sir Rocco's Brussels-based property, Hotel Amigo. He has worked for The Rocco Forte Collection since 2000, initially at Hotel Savoy in Florence. He oversaw the completion of Hotel Amigo's £10million refurbishment in 2002 and has built up the hotel's reputation as the best hotel in Brussels.

Sir Rocco commented, "I am delighted that Ivan is being promoted to take over at The Balmoral after a very successful spell with us in Florence and Brussels. This promises to be a very exciting year as we undertake a refurbishment of NB's Bar and I know that Ivan will bring his considerable energy and skill to his new role. I would like to thank Debbie for her contribution over the last three and a half years and wish her well in her new venture."

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