Paul Bray joins Grand Central Glasgow as GM

Paul Bray, who brings with him 25 years of experience within hospitality, originally trained as a Chartered Accountant but fell in love with the industry and quickly set his sights on becoming a General Manager.

“I originally started by taking a job in a hotel whilst I was at school. I loved meeting new people and being part of a great team so when I was offered a full-time role in the sales and marketing department, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I’d always had aspirations to become a General Manager and was able to map out my progression and make the most of opportunities that came my way.” said Paul.

Paul, who collected a number of top titles whilst at the helm of his former post at The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort, is excited to bring his wealth of experience and success to the iconic hotel which he has admired from afar for quite some time. Most recently, he scooped the title of ‘General Manager of the Year’ at the Prestige Hotel Awards which were announced last month.

Paul added: “I am delighted to be coming on board at The Grand Central Hotel and lead a team of such passionate and driven people that are at the very top of the hospitality business in Scotland.

“I love the history, character and personality of Grand Central. It is truly a landmark building for Glasgow and an iconic part of the history of the city.  I hope to really showcase its status and support the outstanding team that delivers a modern service through classic values day in, day out.”

Following a full refurbishment in 2010, The Grand Central Hotel has enjoyed a £500k refurb of its Champagne Central Bar as well as refurbishment of the Grand Ballroom in recent months, which are key in its history, welcoming Hollywood greats such as Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Paul continued: “I’m proud to be part of an exclusive group of custodians of The Grand Central Hotel. Principal has re-stored a Grand Dame of a hotel to its full glory in the last eight years and has continued to commit to enhancing the property for our guests and visitors to something truly special.
“My vision for The Grand Central Hotel is to continue to grow the business by promoting the superb facilities such as the Champagne Bar and the Grand Ballroom. We have some great plans to enhance the Champagne Bar further as well as develop the restaurant offering. We are adding an extra 13 bedrooms to the hotel in the coming months and have plans to enhance the remaining bedrooms in the near future.
“I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of people and am very excited for what the future has to hold for everyone in the hotel.” 

The Grand Central Hotel
99 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3SF
T 0141 240 3700