According to the board of directors of Colwen Hotel Management Inc. Karl Grover was appointed as the president and chief operating officer. Colwen Hotel manages 23 Marriott, Hilton, and independent hotel properties across the northeastern United States and has over 1,500 employees. The company, which is currently headquartered in Nashua, intends to relocate to Portsmouth this year.
Grover joins Colwen Management with over 25 years of hotel industry experience with Marriott International, most recently serving as vice president of franchising, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites, The Americas. Grover has extensive knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the Marriott brand and holds a bachelor of science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts.
Grover will report directly to the company chairman, Leo Xarras and is replacing Wendell Butcher who is one of the founders of Colwen Hotel Management Inc and is retiring. Butcher will work closely with Grover on the transition and will continue to work with Colwen Hotel Management on a consulting basis.
"We are very excited to welcome Karl to Colwen," said Xarras. "We know Karl's past experience and strong expertise in the hospitality industry will be invaluable to Colwen and look forward to Karl leading the company's future growth."