Tech-enabled hospitality company Sonder has taken on two new appointments as it gears up for expansion in Scotland.
The company, founded in Montreal with offices across North America, has appointed Jeremy Rawlinson as new UK general manager and Daniel Dyball as public policy senior director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Sonder currently operates 30 managed service apartments at Queen Street in Edinburgh, which is set to expand to 45 this year, alongside its maiden Glasgow property - a 41-unit managed service apartment block in Finnieston - during the next few months.
Sonder’s investment in technology, both to enhance the guest experience and underpin back-end operations, has been an asset in the Covid-19 crisis. For example, the company allows guests to check in via their mobile phone, and access their room via a digital lock, without having to interact with staff.
As for the new hires, Rawlinson started his career at onefinestay in 2012, where he held multiple operational roles, including launching into new markets.
After this, he joined Deliveroo in 2014 as the 10th employee and held multiple roles - including General Manager for Rest of UK - and set up its delivery-only kitchens concept as a global director. This included launching Deliveroo’s service in new locations, including Livingston, Falkirk, Dunfermline and Dumfries.
Meanwhile, with more than 15 years’ experience in corporate and regulatory affairs, Dyball will focus on growing Sonder’s business across Europe.
He has held senior policy roles at Channel 4 and as UK executive director at the Internet Association, the trade body for internet companies, where he engaged with government, media and the third sector on regulatory issues.
Harsh Mehta, Sonder's EMEA vice president, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Jeremy and Daniel to the Sonder team as we continue to grow in Scotland and across Europe this year, supporting the local communities and cities in which we operate through sustaining jobs and stimulating the economy.”
Rawlinson added: “With guests seeking a contactless experience now more than ever, we are well-positioned due to our leading-edge technology to deliver this and provide travellers peace of mind - and to support the recovery of the tourism sector in the future.”
Incorporated in 2012, and formally launched with its first employee in 2014, Sonder recently reached a $1.3bn valuation, with locations across more than 30 cities in eight countries
