ACCOLADE FOR CHRIS WAYNE-WILLS

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Scottish hospitality chain Crerar Hotels, has been named as the UK’s Most Influential Hotels Group CEO of the Year 2023.

With over 25 years of senior experience in the hospitality sector, Mr. Wayne-Wills has worked with renowned hoteliers in the UK, including Marriott International, Macdonald Hotels, and QHotels. Starting as a sales manager, he progressed through various roles such as general manager, regional managing director, and most recently held a senior position at Crerar Hotels, a Scottish hotel group owning seven four- and five-star properties.

During his tenure at Crerar Hotels, Mr. WayneWills led the company through a challenging time of uncertainty during the height of the pandemic. His influential position and successful leadership in the group’s recovery have been recognised by CEO Monthly magazine

Under his guidance, several Crerar Hotels properties underwent a multi-million-pound transformation and repositioning, including the acclaimed Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa and the newly rebranded Balmoral Arms.

The Most Influential CEO Awards, created by CEO Monthly honors exceptional leadership figures across all business sectors in the UK, not just hospitality. Commenting on the award, Mr Wayne-Wills said, “I am thrilled to have been presented with this honour and to be recognised amongst the leadership figures that shape each industry. “I joined Crerar Hotels at a very difficult and uncertain time for the hospitality sector and it is the strength and tenacity of the entire team and the strong belief in what we have to offer our guests that has driven us through, that’s why I am dedicating this award to my team.

“We have made significant investments in our iconic hotels over the last few years and have driven forward when others held back investment plans. I have huge faith in our hotels, the guest experience we offer and in the locations in which we operate, but it is our wonderful people that make it all come to life. Being recognised with this award is testament to each and every one of them believing in the vision we have for Crerar Hotels.”

This award follows Mr. Wayne-Wills’ appointment as the Chairman of UKHospitality Scotland, the largest hospitality trade body in the country, less than a year ago. His contributions extend further as a trustee of HIT Scotland and a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality. Additionally, he serves on the committee of the Institute of Hospitality Scotland, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry.

Archerfield has partnered with The Nail Yard to launch a new eco-friendly nail salon in the hotel’s Fletcher’s Cottage Spa. The nail bar, named The Nail Yard at Archerfield, will be available to both non-residents and guests staying at the estate.

The Nail Yard Edinburgh, a pioneering eco-conscious nail brand, brings a fresh dynamic to Fletcher’s Cottage Spa, which was recently named the best spa in Scotland by The Sunday Times. Clients will have access to the unique Nail Yard experience, which combines luxurious hand and foot treatments with a strong emphasis on environmental protection.

Kirsty MacCormick, Owner of The Nail Yard, said, “We are delighted to be entering this partnership and bringing our award-winning salon to East Lothian. The reputation of the Archerfield Estate and Fletcher’s Cottage is second to none and we couldn’t think of a better location to open our first salon outside of Edinburgh.”.