Hand Picked Hotels, the family-owned collection of 21 luxury country house hotels and spa resorts across the UK and Channel Islands, has appointed James Norman and Jean-Paul Wyburn as General Managers of Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa and Bailbrook House Hotel, reinforcing the group’s focus on leadership excellence and guest-centric hospitality.
James Norman and Jean-Paul Wyburn bring international expertise and commercial leadership skills to the properties; underlining the group’s ongoing commitment to nurturing top-tier leadership within the luxury hospitality sector, ensuring its portfolio continues to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
With a distinguished international career in luxury hospitality, James Norman’s experience includes senior roles at world-renowned brands including the Ritz-Carlton in Barcelona and Riyadh, St. Regis Doha, Kempinski Bangkok, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, and the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva and Hong Kong. Most recently, he led Food & Beverage operations at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Arts in Barcelona, where he oversaw a multi million dollar operation, Michelin-starred dining experiences and a major renovation project.
James will lead Hand Picked Hotels’ Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, a grand Neo-Gothic country house in Surrey featuring 60 bedrooms, a luxury spa, and elegant dining overlooking the Surrey Downs. The hotel’s Cloisters Restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes and the property has been awarded AA 4 Red Star status, recognition of its culinary quality and overall excellence.
James Norman states: “It’s an honour to join Nutfield Priory and be part of the Hand Picked Hotels family. The hotel’s rich heritage and stunning setting provide an exceptional environment for creating world-class guest experiences. I look forward to building on its legacy, delivering elevated culinary offerings using my previous gastronomy experience, and working with the team to set new standards in personalised service.”
Jean-Paul Wyburn joins Bailbrook House Hotel with over 20 years in senior hospitality leadership roles within the UK hotel and hospitality industry and a proven track record in driving revenue growth and optimum guest satisfaction. Most recently, Wyburn was interim general manager at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, a 240 bedroom property with extensive conference and leisure facilities.
Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath is a grade II listed country house set in 20 acres of landscaped grounds where Jean-Paul will focus on elevating the guest journey and reinforcing the hotel’s position as a premier destination for leisure breaks, weddings, and corporate events. The hotel’s Cloisters Restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, marking its status among the top fine-dining offerings in the region.
Jean-Paul adds: “I’m thrilled to be joining Bailbrook House at such an exciting time. It’s a property with tremendous charm and potential, and I’m committed to working closely with the team to enhance every aspect of the guest journey. Together, we’ll focus on creating authentic, memorable stays that reflect the warmth and quality the Hand Picked brand is known for.”
Julia Hands, Chairman of Hand Picked Hotels, said: “We are delighted to welcome James and Jean-Paul to the Hand Picked Hotels family. Both bring outstanding experience, leadership and vision to their new roles. With James’ international operational and strong culinary background and Jean Paul’s strategic and people focused management style, these senior appointments build on our commitment to offering unique, luxurious gastronomicexperiences and first class service ethos.”
These strategic hires reinforce Hand Picked Hotels ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and strengthening its reputation as a leader in the luxury hospitality sector.
