Andrew Stembridge has been appointed CEO of the Luxury Division at Hand Picked Hotels, the British family-owned hotel group specialising in luxury country houses, chaired by Julia Hands. The announcement follows a break of several months that the executive devoted to family and loved ones, after his departure from Iconic Hotels & Resorts last May. The appointment marks the operational return of a well-known figure in British luxury hospitality, tasked with shaping the development strategy for the group’s upmarket portfolio.
A return to business after a personal pause
In a message posted on LinkedIn, Andrew Stembridge reflected on the months since his departure from Iconic Hotels & Resorts, describing them as a period of deliberate stepping back, marked by mountain climbs and time spent with family and friends. He also spoke of the many conversations held with industry professionals during this period, which he described as instrumental in preparing for this new chapter.
This period of withdrawal, common among senior executives between roles, now precedes a full return to duty at a British group in the midst of reshaping its leadership.
Twenty-two years at Iconic Hotels & Resorts
Before joining Hand Picked Hotels, Andrew Stembridge spent more than two decades at Iconic Hotels & Resorts, where he held the position of Executive Director until his departure, effective at the end of May 2026, in the context of the merger between Iconic Luxury Hotels and L+R Hotels. He had joined the group in 2003 as Managing Director of Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, before playing a central role in developing the group’s portfolio, notably on landmark properties such as Cliveden House and The Lygon Arms.
The executive says this long career has given him valuable lessons through his contact with colleagues, guests, owners and industry partners — experience he now intends to bring to the next stage of his career at Hand Picked Hotels.
Hand Picked Hotels, a leadership team in the midst of renewal
The appointment of Andrew Stembridge forms part of a broader strengthening of Hand Picked Hotels’ leadership team, which has recently announced several senior management moves. The British group, chaired by Julia Hands and operating a collection of country properties known for their individual character and history, is seeking to consolidate its leadership at a time the new CEO describes as bringing significant momentum and opportunity for the business.
Priorities set out for the luxury division
Andrew Stembridge says he wants to immerse himself in the existing portfolio, build on the foundations already in place and help unlock its full potential. In particular, he intends to strengthen each property’s individual identity, ensure the guest experience remains relevant to today’s luxury clientele, and position Hand Picked Hotels as an employer of choice for hospitality talent.
This roadmap, built around celebrating architectural heritage and the guest experience, follows in the same vein as the approach the executive already applied at Iconic Hotels & Resorts, where he drove the development of differentiating concepts to strengthen the commercial appeal of the group’s properties.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Andrew Stembridge joins Hand Picked Hotels as CEO, Luxury Division
Appointment follows a multi-month break after 22 years with Iconic Hotels & Resorts
Joined Iconic in 2003 as Managing Director of Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
Hand Picked Hotels is a UK family-owned country house hotel collection chaired by Julia Hands
Appointment is part of a broader renewal of the group’s leadership team
Mandate focuses on portfolio identity, guest experience and talent retention
