THE man in charge of one of South Lakeland’s leading hotels has been promoted to the top job in the business.

Tim Rumney, 37, is stepping up from general manager of the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, to managing director.

He takes over the helm from James Alexander, who will remain as a non-executive director but will be free to pursue other business opportunities in the three-star hotel sector in the North West.

The new-look board is completed by Martin Pedler as non-executive chairman, Catherine Alexander as finance director, and Julie Chapman as human resources director.

Mr Rumney, who is married with a daughter, began working for James and Catherine Alexander in 1986 as a raw student and left three years later to study at university.

He later worked at the Britannia Intercontinental in London and THF (Trust House Forte), both in London and the North West.

As managing director of Castle Green Kendal Ltd, he will lead a team of about 100 staff and control an annual turnover of £4.5 million.

“My secret for success is very simple: just keep it simple, delight the guests and they will return with relish,” said Mr Rumney, adding that the firm’s staff was its greatest asset.

Formed only six years ago, the Castle Green has rapidly established a reputation as one of the area’s leading hotels, and gained nationally-recognised awards such as the Investors in People and Work Life Balance standards.

Mr Rumney said the Castle Green was set to continue its investment programme over the coming months.

The business and training centre will undergo a facelift, including fitting air conditioning and internet access in all rooms, new heating and redecoration work expected to cost around £80,000.

In addition, the hotel is ploughing up to £300,000 into upgrading the kitchens and Greenhouse restaurant, with work being carried out in four phases starting next month.