Jan-Paul KroeseBelmond has announced the appointment of Jan-Paul Kroese as general manager of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire. He will replace long-standing managing director Philip Newman-Hall, who retires today following a six-year stint at the impressive hotel. Originally from The Netherlands, Kroese has almost 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and will officially take over his new role on December 14 2015, joining from Château St. Gerlach, a property he has managed since March 2011. Prior to this, Kroese oversaw the opening of Sankara Nairobi in Kenya and held positions at luxury brands, InterContinental and Mandarin Oriental. Kroese will continue to build the legacy of Le Manoir, the hotel that was created by Raymond Blanc. The 15th century manor house features 32 guest rooms and a Raymond Blanc cookery school, and was recently named Best UK Hotel for the third year in a row at the Times and Sunday Times Awards 2015.