Belmond appoints new manager of lodge portfolio 

Belmond has appointed a new managing director of its Global Lodges portfolio.

Steve Mitchell, known as Mitch, will lead the development and expansion of the brand’s collection of lodges, as well as management of existing Botswanan safari properties Eagle Island Lodge and Savute Elephant Lodge.

Mitch has extensive experience in the travel sector, formerly acting as co-founder and chief executive of safari brand Angama in Kenya and east Africa for 12 years. He also founded the Angama Foundation during his tenure, supporting local education, healthcare and conservation initiatives.

In his new role, Mitch will focus on “fostering meaningful relationships with trade partners, local communities and non-profit organisations to ensure lasting positive contributions to Botswana”.

He said: “I’m excited to join the exceptional team of genuine characters and storied properties at Belmond, a brand which I have long admired for its property-first approach and pioneering spirit. 

“With a reverence for the wonders of nature, the people that call these places home and a long-term time horizon, I look forward to working together with the Belmond team to invigorate the properties in Botswana and deepen Belmond’s slow luxury position elsewhere across the world.” 

Iain Langridge, Belmond’s vice-president of operations and divisional leader of northern Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific, added: “Mitch’s long-standing commitment and passion for purpose-led hospitality, coupled with his strong track record in developing lodging business, makes him the ideal leader as we embark on a strategic expansion of our global lodge portfolio and elevation of our safari experiences.”