Newcastle Hotels Welcome Malissa Charlton as New Cluster Sales Manager
Newcastle's Malmaison and Hotel du Vin hotels have a new commercial leader at the helm, following the appointment of Malissa Charlton as Cluster Sales Manager.
Texas-born Malissa brings more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry from both sides of the Atlantic to her new role, where she is now responsible for driving commercial performance across both hotels.
Malmaison, situated on Newcastle’s Quayside and just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, has recently undergone a quiet overhaul of bedrooms and public spaces as it cements itself as the Quayside’s leading hotel and hospitality destination.
Hotel du Vin, meanwhile, is located just a short walk from the Quayside. The restored Edwardian building is perched on the edge of Newcastle’s trendy Ouseburn area. Home to 42 boutique rooms and suites, it’s famous for its French cuisine with a British twist.
Malissa, who took up her new post in late February, is focussing on building strong client relationships, identifying new revenue opportunities and raising the profiles and awareness of both hotels.
“This is such an exciting role, I’m already loving every moment of it,” she said. “There’s something very special about both of these amazing hotels and it’s a bit of a dream come true for me to be here, working with both of them.”
Malissa started her career back in her native America, becoming bitten by the hospitality bug at an early age. She went on to work in numerous large hotels including the Gaylord Texan, a 2000-room resort with some 10,000 employees.
“I was 19 and a corporate trainer in the biggest hotel in Texas, it was huge and we hosted massive events - and I totally loved it. I’ve always been a people person so it was the perfect world for me.”
The move to Malmaison and Hotel du Vin follows a successful stint at Newcastle’s Hotel Indigo as Head of Sales and Marketing. Prior to that, she worked at several leading venues and high profile agencies across the north east of England, including Newcastle United Football Club and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts.
“I love it here in the UK and I think the job is very different - it’s far more creative here, whereas in America it’s more sales operations. I’ve worked at some iconic venues over the years and now I’ve got these two stunning hotels to work with.
“My role is to invigorate the work already done - I’m taking my passion and translating it through these brands. They’re both very different venues but I think this is what keeps it really interesting, that and the fantastic people I get to meet and work with every day.”
