Marriott Hotels names commercial director

The Whitbread Hotel Company has appointed Tony Dangerfield to the newly created post of commercial director of Marriott Hotels, in a restructure of the chain’s marketing team. He joins Marriott from his position as managing director of Thistle Hotels’ managed hotels division.

Dangerfield effectively replaces sales and marketing director Guy Parsons, who was promoted to managing director of Whitbread’s TGI Friday brand in January (MW January 9).

Whitbread Hotel Company managing director Alan Parker says that the job title has changed “to better reflect the responsibilities that this position encompasses”.

Dangerfield will have overall responsibility for sales, marketing, leisure, revenue management, food and beverages and golf.

Marriott marketing controller John Rogers has been promoted to director of marketing. He will report to Dangerfield. His expanded role will include overseeing food and beverages as well as leisure and conference business marketing

Dangerfield’s previous jobs have included Hilton International vice-president of sales and marketing for the Americas.

Soup handles Marriott’s advertising and direct marketing, while McCann-Erickson is used on an ad-hoc basis. McCann is Mariott International’s agency of record.

In May, Marriott is opening a 216-room hotel in Kensington. All rooms have high-speed internet connections and Sony PlayStations. Wireless internet connection will be available in the lobby.