November 8 2005
A top job at the North East’s most talked about hotel was enough to lure an internationally recognized hospitality professional from a paradise island in the Caribbean to the more temperate climes of Newcastle.
Eric Kortenbach, 46, has taken up the position of general manager at Jesmond Dene House, and he, his partner, and their four children have now taken up residence in North Tyneside.
He had previously spent seven years in the Caribbean, first as deputy general manager at the Avila Beach Hotel, and latterly as general manager of the Floris Suite Hotel in Curacao in the Dutch Antilles.
Eric was previously employed at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel in London as deputy conferencing and banqueting director. Prior to this he was at The Connaught Rooms and The Russell in Russell Square.
Eric, a Dutch national from Enschede in the East of Holland, looked at opportunities in the US, the Middle East and the UK before it became clear that Newcastle, and Jesmond Dene House, had by far the most to offer.
He said: “I was approached by a number of prestigious, independent hotels; but Jesmond Dene House stood out. I wanted to work in an operation with an emphasis on five-star service with amazing surroundings and a contemporary design feel. As soon as I set foot in Jesmond Dene House, I knew this was the place.
“For me though, the most important factor in my decision to come here was the people. The North East has a reputation for its passionate people, and Terry Laybourne and Peter Candler immediately demonstrated their passion and belief in this project. Their enthusiasm was infectious.”
Now in post, Eric is focusing on the hotel's development. Jesmond Dene House is already known as a fine food and beverage operation because of its association with owner, Terry Laybourne, but Eric now hopes to build up the reputation of the accommodation side of the business.
Peter Candler, a partner in Jesmond Dene House, said: “We are delighted with Eric’s appointment, he brings a wealth of hotel management experience at the highest level, and we are looking forward to working with him to develop the Jesmond Dene House brand on the hotel, meetings and events side.
“We have a unique historic building, in a beautiful semi-rural location, only minutes from a vibrant city centre. Now we also have one of the most talented hospitality professionals in the industry at the helm, with a great team behind him. I am sure we have a winning combination and myself and my fellow partners are very much looking forward to working with Eric to make Jesmond Dene House one of the best hotels in the UK.”
Jesmond Dene House is a boutique hotel and restaurant located in Jesmond Dene, Newcastle. It has 40 bedrooms, including several suites. There is also a large restaurant, private dining room, a Great Hall for larger functions and two well-equipped meeting rooms with all the latest facilities for business.
