Fonab Castle appoints Julie Williams Wilson as new General Manager
Fonab Castle has appointed experienced hotelier Julie Williams Wilson as its new General Manager, who brings more than two decades of hospitality and hotel management experience to the role.
Julie joins five-star Fonab Castle, part of the Crerar Hotels Group, following six years in senior leadership with Hotel Co. 51. Most recently, she held the position of Cluster General Manager, overseeing a portfolio of lifestyle-branded hotels under the Marriott umbrella, alongside responsibility for a number of destination bar and restaurant concepts.
During her time with Hotel Co. 51, Julie was responsible for a broad range of areas including operations, commercial performance, sales and marketing, finance, HR, recruitment, training and development, and guest services. She brings extensive operational and commercial leadership experience across hotel operations, teams and F&B, with a wealth of experience and strong leadership that will ensure both the hotel and its team are in safe and capable hands.
A highly experienced operator, Julie, has held senior management positions across a range of hotel and hospitality businesses since 2003.
Her career has also included significant involvement in hotel openings and refurbishment projects across both the UK and Europe. In her previous role, Julie was instrumental in the opening of Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge and AC Inverness, launching both hotels and working with teams from start to finish.
In her new role, situated in Pitlochry in the heart of Perthshire, Julie will focus on maintaining and enhancing the already exceptional care that guests experience at Fonab, supporting the existing hotel team and ensuring consistently high standards of service across the property.
The five-star property has already undergone a number of exciting developments, including the relaunch of its dining concept, 1892 Grill, in partnership with award-winning John Gilmour Butchers and Fonab Castle’s Executive Head Chef, Paul Tyrrell.
The new Sandemans Bar has also recently opened, offering guests an intimate and stylish setting within the castle to relax and enjoy a drink.
On her appointment, Julie said: “Right away, I knew that Fonab Castle was such a special property, I couldn’t wait to get started and join the Crerar Hotels family and the Pitlochry community.
“I believe one of the best parts about working in hospitality industry is the memorable experiences we are able to create for our guests, so I’m most looking forward to working with the team to build on the strengths of the hotel, and ensure that every guest receives the warm welcome, attention to detail and high level of service they should expect from Crerar Hotels.
“Especially as now is a such an exciting time for the hotel with 1892 Grill and Sandeman’s Bar now unveiled, we have more plans in the pipeline which I’m looking forward to overseeing so watch this space.”
Donovan Sumner, Chief Operating Officer at the Crerar Hotels Group, added: “It’s a delight to welcome Julie to Crerar Hotels and Fonab Castle. Her breadth of experience, strong operational background and passion for developing teams make her an excellent addition to the hotel.
“Guest experience is at the heart of everything we do, and Julie shares our commitment to delivering the highest standards of service.
“We are looking forward to seeing her build on the fantastic work of the team and lead the hotel into its next chapter.”
