Ian Jones has joined the Extrabold team as new Group Director, Operations where he will be responsible for all the operations of Extrabold’s eight properties, including the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road and Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – The Rosebank.
Ian began his hospitality career in the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel in Canada as a key filer. He soon worked his way up to Assistant Front Office Manager at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. After that he enjoyed his first hotel opening at the Rimrock Resort hotel in the rocky Canadian mountains.
Ian’s career spans over 30 + years, four continents and seven countries working with some of the world’s most well-respected hospitality companies, including Starwood, Fairmont, Hilton and most recently Orient Express Hotels & Resorts.
Some of the highlights in his career include the opening of Asia’s Flagship Hilton Hotel, the Hilton Kuala Lumpur as Director of Operations and the opening of the Swissotel Grand Shanghai, China as General Manager. Prior to Ian joining Extrabold he was managing the Westcliff for Orient Express Hotels and Resorts before the hotel was closed.
“In my career and in my personal life I live by three core values, Passion, Pride & Accountability. Without this trinity of belief, I don’t think I would have been so blessed to enjoy the many challenges I have over my career to date.”
Ian believes the best part of the hospitality industry is giving, and making a difference to the guests you serve. “If this doesn’t touch your heartstrings then this is not the industry for you”.
Ian has already started in this new position and is excited about the future of Extrabold and working with such a dynamic and engaged team.