Thistle appoints sales chief to head marketer

Thistle Hotels has made its director of global sales, Richard Adler, general manager for sales, marketing and distribution. It is a new position and follows the departure of chief marketer Gerard Tempest, who has joined rival hotel group Marriott Hotels.

Adler, who comes from a sales background, will have overall control for marketing and will be supported by a brand manager and product marketing manager. He was previously at Hilton International as head of major accounts.

Tempest was appointed marketing controller for Thistle in June (MW June 5) but has since left to become marketing director at Whitbread-owned Marriott Hotels.

Advertising for Thistle Hotels is through Zest. Positive Thinking handles direct marketing. Adler says he may review agency requirements in the near future.

Thistle Hotels was bought by shareholder BIL International after a £627m hostile bid in May. Adler will report to recently appointed chief executive Arun Amarsi, who also holds the same position at BIL.

Like other hotel groups, Thistle has come under increasing pressure from the drop in foreign tourists travelling to the UK. With most of its properties in the London area, the chain has been particularly hit by the decline in visitors from the US.