Senior Executives

Divisional Directors

Philip Bolson

Philip has worked in hospitality for over 20 years and has experience in the running of businesses within high street retail and large corporate hotel groups. Prior to BDL, Philip oversaw the franchise operations for Ramada in the UK & Ireland for the Wyndham Hotel Group. Philip joined BDL in 2009 and has focused on creating a team that is operationally excellent, enthusiastic, passionate and committed to being the best. Philip was instrumental in setting up, and currently acts as Chairman, of the Wyndham Owners Group which was formed in 2011.

Shaune Ayers

Shaune joined BDL in 2009 as  Divisional Director responsible for the BDL Select Division. Previously working for privately owned Country House Hotels across England and Scotland securing many accolades including the prestigious AA Hotel of the Year Award. Shaune's background also includes Forte Heritage and MacDonald hotels.

David Willmott

With over 15 years hospitality experience with Hilton, Whitbread and Thistle before joining BDL in 2006, David is responsible the Holiday Inn Express hotels as well as looking after shorter term distressed assets.

David was awarded IHG EMEA General Manager of the year in 2008

Stephen Bench

Stephen joined BDL in 2011 and has 22 years of experience in opening and operating hotels in both the UK, Australia and Fiji. He is responsible for a selection of full service hotels across the UK.

Graham Norris

Graham has 25 years experience in senior positions with both branded and unbranded hotels. He is responsible for the Full Service Branded Division which includes Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Ramada Brands.

Prior to rejoining BDL in 2009 Graham worked for IHG as Franchise Business Director and as Operations Director of another UK based franchised hotel operator.

Senior Executive Team

Rob Ledson – Group Director of Sales 

With 18 year experience in the hospitality industry and 15 years in sales, Rob joined BDL in 2009 to lead the sales team forward. Prior to joining BDL, Rob’s sales experience was primarily devoted to Marriott Hotels across London and the South, as well as Principal Hayley and Paramount Hotels. Since joining BDL, Rob has created a winning proactive sales culture throughout the business.

Moz Shigdar – Group Revenue Manager

Moz has worked in the industry for over 20 years, specialising in Revenue Management for the last 12 years. He has worked for many companies including Marriott, De Vere & Thistle, which give him a strong commercial & systems background.

Susan Doyle – Head of Human Resources

With 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, 10 of which have been in the area of HR, Susan joined BDL in June 2011 as Head of Human Resources. She is responsible for driving the People Strategy across all areas of the business which will position BDL as an Employer of Choice.

Ian Bayliss - Divisional Financial Director

Ian Joined BDL in 2002 and has over 35 years’ experience in the industry. He is responsible for the Financial Management and support within his Division. He is also a Fellow of the British Association of Hotel Accountants (now HOSPA).

Yvonne Seator - Group Marketing Manager

Yvonne has worked in advertising for over 10 years, working in press, radio & full-service agency to deliver marketing campaigns for Hilton, Principal Hayley & Crerar Hotels before joining BDL in 2010. 

With her team, Yvonne drives on & off-line marketing strategy across the hotels and 50+ websites.

David Hart – Business Development Manager

David is a ‘big 4’ qualified Chartered Accountant with several years’ experience in the hotel industry.  Since joining BDL David has held a number of divisional and group finance positions and in January 2012 moved into a new role as Business Development Manager.

Patricia Ross – Group Financial Controller

Patricia joined the BDL Finance team in June 2008 after spending 4 years with Deloitte, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant. In November 2009, Patricia was promoted to Group Financial Controller, which saw her take on responsibility for the Glasgow finance team who service 23 of the BDL hotels. In November 2011, Patricia was promoted to a Divisional Finance Role.

Vibhu Gaind – Group IT Manager 

With vast experience in hospitality technology, Vibhu is responsible for all aspects of information technology across all BDL hotels and at a corporate level. He is also responsible for all guest-facing technologies at hotels and all back-of-house systems. Vibhu serves on the EAME IT Sub Committee of the IAHI (International Association of Holiday Inn Owners).

Mark Dempsie - Group Property Manager

Mark joined BDL in 2007 and is responsible for the Property Management of the Hotel Portfolio managed by BDL. He is a Chartered Surveyor with 12 years experience in managing multi-site portfolios. Mark is a member of the RICS and has extensive experience in project management, facilities management, utility procurement and the property management of distressed assets.