Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, has been honored with the prestigious ‘CEO of the Year’ award at the first Scottish Professional Awards in Glasgow. Wayne-Wills was the sole nominee from the Scottish hospitality industry and emerged victorious despite stiff competition.
Assuming leadership at Crerar Hotels Group in early 2020, Wayne-Wills navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully reopening all seven hotels and inns across Scotland after multiple lockdowns. Notably, he spearheaded the reopening of the Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa in Inveraray, demonstrating resilience during a tumultuous period for the hospitality sector.
Despite the pandemic’s impact, Wayne-Wills executed strategic initiatives, including recruiting a new executive team and securing substantial investments in several hotels and inns within the portfolio. He prioritized the well-being of employees by restructuring the Fair Fund and establishing the Crerar Hotels Academy to enhance skill development and career progression.
Under Wayne-Wills’ stewardship, Crerar Hotels received the esteemed ‘Small Hotel Group of the Year’ accolade at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in 2023, acknowledging the group’s remarkable evolution and accomplishments. As the Scottish chair of UK Hospitality, a prominent industry body, Wayne-Wills has earned recognition for his substantial contributions. In 2023, he was honored as the ‘Most Influential Hotels Group CEO of the Year’ by CEO Monthly Magazine, further cementing his reputation as a leading figure in the hospitality sector. His leadership has not only propelled Crerar Hotels to new heights but also exemplified excellence and innovation within the industry, setting a standard for others to follow.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Wayne-Wills emphasized that the award was a collective achievement, underscoring the collaborative efforts of the Crerar Hotels team. He lauded the event as an opportunity to connect with Scotland’s top business professionals and reiterated his commitment to representing the hospitality industry on such esteemed platforms.Top of Form
