The Belfry Hotel announces promotion of six members of staff


The Belfry Hotel & Resort has announced the promotions of six female team members, showcasing the exceptional talent of its female workforce and continuing efforts to achieve gender equality.

The interim positions, which came into effect this month, recognise the resort’s steadfast commitment to the internal growth of its employees, as well as its sustained endeavours towards gender parity. The resort achieved a 50-50 split between male and female employees in its Executive Team for the first time in its history in 2023.

Lynsey Smith has been promoted from Resort Desk Manager to Revenue Manager.

With 25 years’ experience behind her, over 20 of these on the resort desk, Smith will utilise her expert management skills to lead both the revenue team and resort desk team.

Taking over from Lynsey as Resort Desk Manager is Esther Pinedo. She brings a wealth of customer service experience with her, having led The Belfry’s front office team for the past eight years, and will now be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the resort desk.

Taking the reins as Reception Manager is Sarah Hughes. Having worked diligently as Assistant Reception Manager for the past ten years, Hughes’ knowledge and experience is second-to-none.

Advancing from her current role as Reception Senior Supervisor, a position she has held for two years, is Julie Marquie who will now become Reception Assistant Manager.

Rebecca Graffy, who has shown remarkable potential in her seven months at The Belfry, moves from Receptionist to Reception Supervisor.

With 12 years’ experience in delivering the highest levels of customer service to guests, Kerry Shepherd has been promoted to Guest Relations Manager.

Chris Eigelaar, Resort Director at The Belfry, said: “It fills me with immense pride to recognise the expertise, enthusiasm, and capability of so many of our incredible female employees here at The Belfry. Their appointments are well-deserved. All of the women promoted have shown great talent, inspiring drive, and incredible potential. Their diligence will elevate our service standards to even higher levels across the board and ensure The Belfry continues to deliver exceptional experiences for guests. I wholeheartedly congratulate each one of them and wish them all the best of luck in their new positions.”

The Belfry Hotel & Resort is home to over 300 luxurious bedrooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, including 2AA Rosette The Ryder Grill and Hotel Bar of the Year, Brabazon Bar, a spa and leisure club, and three world class golf courses. It also has 22 versatile conference and meetings spaces to cater for all types of events.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort is also host to the annual Institute of Hospitality Golf Day where people from across the hospitality and catering industry come together to raise funds for the Institute of Hospitality Youth Council. A video of this year’s Golf Day can be seen here.