Warner Hotels, renowned as the UK’s premier provider of adult short break experiences, has appointed David Murdin as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This strategic move underscores Warner Hotels’ commitment to bolstering its brand and marketing initiatives as part of its ambitious growth trajectory.
David Murdin joins Warner Hotels with an impressive 30-year career in launching, growing, and shaping brands across various sectors in the UK and internationally. His extensive experience spans leadership roles at prominent organisations such as British Airways, Sky Sports, Whitbread, Costa Coffee, and Wagamama. Murdin’s proven track record in the travel, hospitality, and leisure sectors positions him as a valuable asset to Warner Hotels.
The role of CMO at Warner Hotels is a newly created position, designed to enhance the brand’s commercial success and drive its ambitious growth plans. Murdin will be an integral member of the Warner Hotels Brand Board, tasked with increasing brand awareness, enhancing brand reputation, and attracting new guests. His responsibilities will encompass brand development, marketing, PR, communications, and proposition development. He will report directly to Paul Pomroy, Chief Executive Officer of Warner Hotels.
This appointment follows a recent modernisation of Warner Hotels’ brand identity, aimed at aligning more closely with the desires and behaviours of its guests. The refreshed brand emphasises the joy and experience-led travel that Warner Hotels is known for. As CMO, Murdin will ensure that this renewed approach is consistently reflected across all guest interactions, from initial communications to the ambiance of the hotels.
Paul Pomroy, CEO of Warner Hotels, expressed his enthusiasm about Murdin’s appointment, stating, “As we look to the future and a new phase for Warner Hotels, being laser-focused on building brand awareness and consideration nationally will power our growth. David’s appointment comes at a critical time, as we reposition Warner Hotels to reach new audiences while developing the existing relationships we have with our guests. I’m thrilled to welcome David to Warner Hotels, whose great success at leading experiential brands will take the Warner Hotels proposition to the next level, and further strengthen our position as the leading provider of short break experiences in the UK.”
David Murdin shared his excitement about joining Warner Hotels, remarking, “I’m thrilled to be joining Warner Hotels at such a pivotal time in its history. As a marketer, there is nothing more exciting than developing a brand that is both steeped in heritage and rooted in decades of success, yet ambitious in its outlook with an innovative vision that will set it up for future growth. I’m excited to bring my experience to Warner Hotels and deliver our brand proposition across the end-to-end experience, bringing it to life for all our guests from the moment we first speak to them, to when they visit our hotels, and return to stay with us again.”
A key focus for Murdin will be the launch of the new Warner Hotel, The Runnymede on Thames, set to open this autumn. Situated on the banks of the River Thames in Windsor, this stunning property will enhance Warner Hotels’ portfolio following an extensive renovation. Warner Hotels currently boasts 16 properties located in idyllic country and coastal settings, including Heythrop Park in the Cotswolds, Studley Castle in Warwickshire, and Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire.
Murdin’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Warner Hotels, as the brand continues to evolve and strengthen its position as a leader in the UK’s short break experiences market.
