What's Happening?
William Hunter has been appointed as the General Manager for The Derby London City, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, which is set to open in February 2026. Hunter brings over 15 years of experience
within Hilton's London portfolio, having started his career through the Hilton Graduate Management Programme. His previous roles include leadership positions in Food & Beverage and Front of House at The Trafalgar St. James London and DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside. Most recently, he served as Hotel Manager at The Westminster London. Hunter has been instrumental in brand repositioning and operational strategy, successfully steering teams through major refurbishments and brand transformations, including rebranding properties into the Curio Collection by Hilton. The Derby London City will be the 10th Curio Collection by Hilton in the UK, joining a portfolio of award-winning hotels owned by Dominus and managed by Dominus Hospitality.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of William Hunter as General Manager is significant as it underscores Dominus Hospitality's commitment to excellence in hotel management and brand positioning. Hunter's extensive experience in operational strategy and brand transformation is expected to play a crucial role in the successful launch of The Derby London City. This development is part of Dominus's broader strategy to expand its hotel portfolio, which includes over 1,700 keys in its existing development pipeline across London. The opening of The Derby London City is anticipated to enhance the Curio Collection by Hilton's presence in the UK, offering guests a unique and high-quality hospitality experience. This move is likely to strengthen Hilton's competitive position in the London market, attracting both domestic and international travelers.
What's Next?
As General Manager, William Hunter will focus on building a best-in-class team to ensure the successful launch of The Derby London City. Key hires are underway, including the appointment of Edward Field as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, who brings extensive Hilton experience across London and Europe. Additional roles such as Operations Manager and Head Chef are being filled to bring Rycrofte's Restaurant, Coffeehouse, and Bar to life, offering British classics with a twist. The strategic appointments and preparations are aimed at positioning The Derby London City as a leading destination within the Curio Collection by Hilton, contributing to the brand's growth and reputation in the UK hospitality market.
