UK: Former BridgeStreet managing director Shaun Hinds has joined in-room technology supplier YourWelcome as a non-executive director.
YourWelcome says the appointment “adds significant serviced accommodation operator experience to the Board as the company continues its expansion into America and Asia”.
Hinds has extensive experience of the UK and global serviced apartment industry, serving four years as managing director EMEA and APAC at BridgeStreet Global Hospitality. He was instrumental in the conception and development of the Mode ApartHotel brand, which launched to the market in February 2016. On leaving BridgeStreet in June, he became CEO of Manchester Central, one of Europe’s leading conference and exhibition venues.
Henry Bennett, CEO at YourWelcome, said: “We are delighted that Shaun has agreed to join the board. YourWelcome has experienced a rapid period of growth, now with tablets in over 30 countries, and feel that in order to continue this growth, alongside product innovation, we need experience from the short stay operator side. Shaun has extensive experience and contacts within the serviced apartment industry and will undoubtedly help drive the growth of the business.”
Hinds said: “I’ve been a keen advocate of the YourWelcome business since first meeting Henry in 2015. As the sector has grown, operators have been looking for ways to harness technology to deliver highly personalised and enhanced guest experiences and YourWelcome is at the forefront of that creativity and innovation. It’s exciting to be able to work with the YourWelcome team to help them realise the full potential of this market.”
YourWelcome is a smart tablet for serviced apartments. The tablets are left out for guests and act as a transactional and informational portal within the property. YourWelcome launched in June 2016, and has more than 3,500 tablets installed in over 30 countries. UK clients include Skyline Apartments, Clarendon Apartments, Flying Butler and Cuckooz.</p
