Accelerated growth the target for Landal in the UK as new MD joins business

Landal has underlined its commitment to accelerated growth with the appointment of a new managing director to lead its UK business.

Jeremy Hipkiss, an experienced commercial leader in the leisure, real estate and construction sectors, says the UK is a priority growth market for the premium lodge resort operator and presents significant opportunities to expand its portfolio over the next few years.

The Netherlands-based business has seen its UK park count rise from two to 25 since 2017, but Hipkiss says there’s more to come.

“I’m delighted to have joined Landal UK at such an exciting time for the business. The brand has always set the benchmark for premium holiday experiences across the UK and Europe and now we’re looking to shape the next generation of resorts driven by innovation, inspired by nature, and designed to keep our guests coming back for more.

“The market is ready for a new brand leader and we have everything we need to attract strategic partners looking to benefit from our unique end-to-end support, including private landowners and entrepreneurs, as well as new market entrants looking to build new resorts.”

Landal’s continuing commitment to UK portfolio growth comes at a time when the business is investing more in guest experience and brand marketing than ever before.

Hipkiss joins Landal following a 15-year stint at the UK’s largest housebuilder, Barratt Developments, where he was most recently group customer and change director. Prior to that he was marketing director at managed pubs operator The Sprit Group.

Doris Slegtenhorst, Chief Development Officer, says “Jeremy brings a rare combination of commercial, operational and development experience. This makes him well suited to lead the UK organisation in its next phase, supported by a strong team and our head office in Amsterdam.”

Hipkiss succeeds former Landal UK managing director, Paul Hardingham who left the business at the end of last year.