Sofitel London Heathrow, managed and operated by the Arora Group, has announced it has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of Operations Manager James Murphy, and Director of Food and Beverage, Patrick Mudalige.
James Murphy, who will begin at Sofitel London Heathrow in July, has 13 years’ experience in the hotel sector, and is moving from within the Arora Group. James was Meetings and Events Operations Manager at the Arora managed and owned InterContinental London - The O2, during its launch. He also has experience of Sofitel London Heathrow, having worked as Meetings and Events Operations Manager for the hotel between 2011 and 2015.
With over 20 years’ experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, Patrick Mudalige has worked in some of the world's most prestigious hotels including Hilton International, Burj Al Arab and Waldorf Astoria. Patrick later transitioned into senior roles in hotels including Marriott International, Boscolo Hotels, St Regis Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels. He is a bronze, silver and gold medallist of the Craft Guild of Chefs and a member of Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Patrick started at Sofitel London Heathrow earlier this month.
Ryan Nicholls, General Manager, Sofitel London Heathrow, said: “We’re delighted to welcome James and Patrick to Sofitel London Heathrow – two really strong additions to the team. We are committed to nurturing talent from within the group, and it will be a pleasure to work with James again. James is a talented manager with a wealth of experience of the hotel sector and a passion for delivering great results every time.”
Ryan continued: “We are also hugely looking forward to working with Patrick. A multi-skilled hotelier with over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Patrick has an outstanding pedigree, having worked with some of the major hotel brands in a variety of roles, which has allowed him to develop an in-depth understanding of the sector. We are confident that he will lead the hotel’s food and beverage provision, which includes two restaurants, La Belle Epoque and Vivre, plus our tea salon, Tea 5, to great things.”
James Murphy said: “I am excited to be taking the next step of my career within The Arora Group and to be back at Sofitel London Heathrow. I’ve built up a strong skill set across many key hotel functions within the supportive environment of the Arora Group, and I’m looking forward to bringing all of this experience to my new role.”
Patrick Mudalige said: “I’m delighted to be joining Sofitel London Heathrow and The Arora Group. The hotel has a fantastic food and beverage offering, and I can’t wait to work with the existing team here to continue to strengthen and build on that. I’ll be looking for ways to bring my experience and expertise to the role to ensure the best possible guest experiences at all times.”
Sofitel London Heathrow is an award-winning purpose-built luxury conference and leisure hotel directly connected to Terminal 5. It has 605 stylish guestrooms and a luxury spa with 24-hour gym. There are several eateries including the 3 AA Rosette La Belle Epoque, Le Bar Parisien, Vivre, and Tea 5 Salon.
The hotel provides business travellers and conference delegates with 45 flexible meeting rooms, including the Arora Suite which can accommodate up to 1,300 people for a theatre style conference. Additional facilities allow delegates to hire separate office spaces as well as serviced reception areas.
Sofitel London Heathrow is managed and operated by The Arora Group under a franchise agreement with Accor Hotels.
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davies tanner - +44 (0)1892 619100
Becca Krug | Nancy Cremore | Nicole Moor
InterConO2@daviestanner.co.uk
The Arora Group
The Arora Group is a successful UK-focused private group of companies, which leverages synergies across its specialist property, construction and hotel divisions to its strategic advantage. Since 1999, the Group has built its standing through meticulously managing projects from inception to delivery and beyond. Today, it owns and manages a diverse portfolio of flagship assets across the nation’s key business locations, partnering with some of the world’s most recognised brands to deliver consistently high service levels and sustainable growth. For more information please visit www.thearoragroup.com - @Arora_Group
