Warner Leisure Hotels hires former McDonald’s chief to lead expansion

Blackstone-owned hospitality chain Warner Leisure Hotels has appointed former McDonald’s chief executive Paul Pomroy to lead its expansion strategy. Pomroy has joined the chain, which is a Bourne Leisure brand that caters exclusively to adults, as chief executive. He worked at McDonald’s for more than 28 years in various roles, latterly as chief restaurant officer and corporate senior vice president of international operated markets. His career at the fast food chain includes nearly seven years as chief executive of the UK and Ireland business. Since Blackstone bought Bourne Leisure in 2021, it has invested nearly £120m into renovating, refurbishing and expanding the Warner Leisure Hotels portfolio. It has invested close to £500m in Bourne’s portfolio in the years since the acquisition, which also included holiday park provider Haven. Paul Flaum, chief executive at Bourne Leisure, said Pomroy’s “proven track record in leading exceptionally high-performing teams and providing a great experience for customers makes him a huge asset to Warner Leisure Hotels”. He added that Pomroy was “extremely well placed to take the company into this next chapter”. James Seppala, head of Blackstone Real Estate Europe, said: “Hospitality is one of our highest conviction themes globally and following the recent acquisitions of Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club and the Forest of Arden Country Club, Warner is in a strong position to capitalise on the growth of the domestic tourism market.” Pomroy said he was “joining Warner at an exciting time, as the brand continues to propel its growth strategy and build on its compelling short-break proposition”. He added: “As a beloved British brand, I am eager to bring my hospitality experience to this next phase, working together with my new colleagues and the executive team to further strengthen the Warner experience for guests and team alike.”