David Connell FIH - MI

Group Operations Director

Exclusive Collection

With over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality sector David has built a career on the back of a strong Food and Beverage focus with an ethos on quality and providing great hospitality. Having worked for Exclusive Collection since 2002, where he was Restaurant Manager at Pennyhill Park & Spa, he gradually progressed to Deputy General Manager in 2008. In 2009 he was made Interim General Manager at The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club in Caste Coombe before taking on the full time General Manager position at Lainston House, near Winchester in April 2010. He moved as General Manager to South Lodge, near Horsham, West Sussex in 2013 which is currently home to 3 quality Restaurants; The 3 AA Rosette Camellia, Michelin Starred and 4 AA Rosette Ben Wilkinson at The Pass and Botanica a Mediterranean inspired restaurant situated in the award winning spa. In July 2022 David took on the newly created role of Group Operations Director for the Collection.