The Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort

The Vale Resort has announced the appointment of Ben Danielsen as its new General Manager.

Mr Danielsen, who will report directly to Resort MD Stephen Leeke, has 14 years experience in international hotel management. He was previously General Manager of the 4-star Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Newbury, Berkshire that has been named the AA Hotel of the Year England in 2007/08. He has also managed the exclusive 5-star boutique hotel The Vineyard at Stockcross with its 2 Michelin-starred restaurant.

Mr Danielsen will oversee all operations at the Vale Resort including its 143-bedroom hotel, 700-seat Conference facility, restaurants & champagne bar and award-winning golf, leisure, spa and sports facilities.

His unrivalled operational experience running top-tier four and five star hotels will also be drawn upon in the design and development of the neighbouring new five star Hensol Castle Resort due for completion in early 2010.

Mr Danielsen who was born in Norway and has managed hotels across Europe said: “This is an extremely exciting and challenging time to be joining The Vale Resort.

“There is quite obviously huge ambition and drive within the current team and with the ongoing expansion and the promise of a stunning new five star hotel and residential spa at the Castle next door; this is a dream job. It provides me with a unique career opportunity to be part of a business that is making a major statement on the European hotel scene.

“I have experience of operating large hotels at the very top end of the four star rating as well as exclusive five-star destination hotels where cutting-edge cuisine and extraordinary high levels of service are required by corporate clients. I will be drawing on this to help ensure the Vale Resort remains at the very top of its game.”

Vale Managing Director, Stephen Leeke said: “This is a very significant appointment for us and we are thrilled that Ben is joining at a time when there is major investment being made in our Resort.

“Our success as a leading European hotel destination is built on high levels of service, our location and mix of top tier leisure, golf and spa facilities. This not only needs investment and high levels of operational service and quality – it needs a senior management team that are committed to excellence, have the ability to lead through change and development and are focused on giving our customers the very best experience during their stay.

“We look forward to Ben's input into the business and an exciting and happy future with us.”