A world class senior team has been appointed by Leeds-based Pantin Hotels to create a collection of comfort based boutique hotels.

The first luxury based boutique property, the Ellington, opens in Leeds city centre this summer season.

The firm was founded in the year 2006 by David Pantin, who has selected 5 experienced senior leaders who specialise in worldwide luxury properties.

Mr. Gerhard Schaller has been taken on as the Director of Operations and will use his skills in senior management positions at select properties in London including Grosvenor House and the Savoy as well as for the General Manager's roles at The Balmoral, Edinburgh and Nikko Hotels in Mexico and New Delhi.

Sally Rouse, who is a graduate of the Savoy Group Management Training programme which involved assignments at Claridge's, The Savoy and The Berkeley Hotel, has been given the responsibility of the Director of Sales and Marketing.

Mr. Mark Lightbound, the Director of Finance, will be looking after the financial matters. He becomes a part of the team from his previous job at Rocco Forte Hotels where he was working as the Regional Financial Controller in the UK.

These three appointments supplement the earlier addition of Jim Beard in the team as the Director of Administration with previous responsibilities including General Manager of The Cavendish in London, Head of Sales and Marketing at the George V in Paris and Deputy General Manager of the Grosvenor House.

Visit www.pantinhotels.com for more details.