Quest Apartment Hotels has appointed hotelier David Mansfield as chief operations officer. Mansfield will work closely with David Ridgeway, Quest’s general manager – franchise operations.

The new operational structure will see Ridgeway continue to manage franchise relationship management team, franchise establishment and franchise support roles. Mansfield will take on leadership of business transitions and Quest Academy teams.

30 years experience for Quest COO

Mansfield has over 30 years’ experience in senior corporate and strategic management roles across Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. Most recently he was area GM for IHG in Melbourne and Canberra. He is experienced in operations capability and excellence, asset management, value creation, strategic alignment and positioning, concept development and cultural change.

Quest founder and chairman, Paul Constantinou, said the new operations chief’s skills will add value to the franchise network.

“David will provide further collective strength in strategic decision making and leadership for the Quest corporate office and guide operational support across the franchise network. This is an important role for the ongoing success of our franchise business and an exciting development of our operations function,” Constantinou said.

Rapid growth for franchise model

The business format franchise model has reached a tipping point in Australia’s accommodation sector, according to Mansfield.

“The rapid growth of Quest Apartment Hotels in Australasia shows that franchised hotels operating under a strong support network deliver outstanding results for guests.
“Quest’s business format franchise model has created a generation of hoteliers invested in their business and I look forward to contributing my expertise in hotel management and strategy to this model,” Mansfield said.

• Quest Apartment Hotels has just been named the first 5-star brand in a newly-launched franchise ratings system.