Clarke takes the non–exec route

David Clarke, the former manager of Edinburgh’s famous “Caley” hotel who found fame as a TV “undercover boss”, is moving away from the limelight and trying his hand as a non-executive director.

The lifelong hotelier, who went to catering college at 16 and secured his first trainee manager job at 21, has joined hotel management company Bespoke Hotels.

Earlier this year, Clarke stepped down as chief executive of Best Western, where his “hotels with personality” initiative led him to take part in the Channel 4 series Undercover Boss.

As well as managing the five-star Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, Clarke made his mark north of the Border when he co-founded the marketing consortium, Connoisseur Scotland. Buckinghamshire-based Bespoke will be his first role as a non-executive director.

Following in Clarke’s footsteps on the hospitality career ladder is Monica De Castro, the Caley’s latest addition to senior management.

De Castro will take up the role of director of operations at the hotel, which following a £24 million investment programme is set to join Hilton’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria stable.

With over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, De Castro has held several managerial positions in the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, including revenue manager at Hilton London Islington and conference and events business manager at the group’s Park Lane establishment.

Meanwhile, family firm Barrhead Travel has drafted in ABTA Scotland chairman Roddie MacPhee to work alongside the company’s directors as it continues to expand its branch network and product range.

In a travel career spanning almost 50 years, MacPhee spent 22 years with Scottish agency AT Mays, in roles which included divisional director and marketing director.

Barrhead Travel’s boss Sharon Munro, who’s father founded the Glasgow-based firm in 1975, said MacPhee would be an “invaluable addition” to the senior management team.