Minor Hotels has appointed Mark Havercroft as Regional Director, Africa, based in its Johannesburg regional office.
Havercroft is responsible for driving the group’s performance and expansion in Africa through acquisitions and partnerships, as well as refurbishing and developing existing properties and management contracts.
In addition to leading Minor Hotels’ expansion plans on the continent, Havercroft is also responsible for the continued growth of its existing properties and the teams that manage them.
Havercroft joins Minor Hotels from the Legacy Group where he held the role of Business Development and Hotel Operations in Africa. His prior experience includes business development, operations and leadership roles at Lonrho Hotels, Wilderness Safaris and the Zimbabwe Sun group of hotels.
His three decades of working in hospitality have seen him lead and manage properties as diverse as island resorts and safari destinations, as well as resorts and luxury hotels across the African continent.
“It’s a very exciting time to join Minor Hotels, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the group’s plans to grow its footprint across Africa,” says Havercroft. “This includes growing the presence of the AVANI and Anantara brands, as well as looking for opportunities to introduce other Minor Hotels brands to the continent, such as Oaks.”
Minor Hotels has many exciting projects lined up, including completing the refurbishment of AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino, AVANI Maseru Hotel, the beach bungalows and kitchen at Anantara Bazaruto (formerly Indigo Bay) and the public areas and kitchens at AVANI Gaborone.
The group will also launch its first resort in Mauritius, AVANI Bel Ombre Mauritius Resort & Spa, celebrating its expansion onto the popular Indian Ocean island.
“Mark joins Minor Hotels with extensive business development experience, positioning him well to deliver on our goal to grow, whether it’s through acquiring existing properties, building new exciting destinations, or bringing new life to the resorts and hotels that are already owned by the group,” says Robert Kunkler, Chief Operating Officer, Minor Hotels. “We welcome him to his new role and wish him every success.
Havercroft holds an MBA from the American Hotel and Motel Association and is a Certified Hotel Administrator. He also holds a BSc Hons in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and speaks English and French.
