Alfa Travel is “extremely excited” to announce Karen Sawbridge as its new Managing Director.
The Sawbridge family founded the company in 1985, which now owns 21 hotels around the UK coast under the Leisureplex brand. It also operates 49 coaches.
The company became employee-owned in July 2015 when the directors retired, with the family retaining a 25% share.
Karen has been Leisureplex Operations Director for the last 14 years, and the driving force behind improvements to the company’s hotel operations.
She has overseen a substantial stream of investment in the hotel estate, and is “totally committed” to the employee ownership model. She says she will do her “utmost to develop the business by ensuring the organisation stays focused on delivering excellent customer service.”
Karen’s appointment to Managing Director means the Alfa/Leisureplex board is now 75% female.
Paul Sawbridge remains a Non-Executive Director to represent shareholder interests, and Peter Sawbridge has taken up a new role of Non-Executive Chairman.
Karen says: “After enjoying a historically high level of trading in 2016 – much against the odds, given the political upheaval resulting from Brexit in June, followed by the astonishing appointment of Donald Trump as President of the USA in November – there will be challenges ahead over the next 12-24 months.
“Especially because of the high level of inflation predicted to affect food and fuel, two of our key cost drivers.
“However, I am resolute that my directors and I can continue to provide the necessary careful management and leadership needed to continue to replicate the very strong operational and financial performance of our employee-owned group.”
