Award-winning GM Richard Pearson has been named as the first General Manager at The Medlock, a hotel partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group.

The high-profile new role builds on Richard’s exceptional leadership of hotels within Valor’s portfolio, which includes his former position as Senior General Manager for five hotels on the outskirts of London.

With an impressive career in hospitality spanning two decades, Richard has worked across the UK, USA and Canada, with global brands including Marriott, IHG and Hilton. Starting from humble beginnings washing dishes in a small tearoom in the Peak District, Richard has worked his way up to the highest level of hotel operations.

Richard’s journey with Valor began in 2017 when he joined AC Hotel by Marriott, Salford Quays, as General Manager. During Richard’s three-year leadership of the hotel, the team was awarded Hotel of the Year at the annual Pride of Valor Awards, with Richard successfully increasing team engagement by 7.8% year-on-year and achieving record-breaking revenue performance.

Over the past decade, Richard has worked across Valor Hospitality’s portfolio, with a brief break in Canada to hone his global hospitality experience as an Opening General Manager for Crowne Place Suites by Marriott inBritish Columbia.

In his new role, Richard will lead the operation of The Medlock, a 401-room hotel backed by a powerful partnership between Manchester CityFootball Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and operated by Valor Hospitality.

Currently under development within Manchester City’s entertainment destination, The Medlock will form part of the Radisson Blu family and is scheduled to open in 2026. Set to become one of the city’s most exciting new hotels, The Medlock will offer guests unrivalled access to the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live (the UK’s largest indoor arena), and a host of dining, retail and cultural attractions.

The Medlock will feature a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, in addition to a luxury penthouse suite. Upon completion, guests will also have access to a museum experience, commercial office space and other amenities in the expanded stadium area.

Speaking of his appointment, Richard said: “I’m incredibly proud to lead The Medlock through its pre-opening phase. This project is a celebration of Manchester - its energy, its community, and its global reputation.

“We’re creating a hotel that’s more than just a place to stay. It’s where the experience begins. Whether guests are here for a match at the Etihad Stadium or a concert at Co-op Live, the excitement starts the moment they walkthrough our doors.”

Euan McGlashan, Global Co-founder and CEO of Valor Hospitality, commented: “Richard’s passion and dedication to hospitality have been clear throughout his career journey as one of our valued ‘hotelitarians’. His personal and professional development through our portfolio has been brilliant in nature and a journey our team is very proud of. Our focus and dedication for developing talent has always been at the forefront of our values. Which in turn, is a benefit of exceptional guest experiences and a successful career for our people. Richard has reached the peak of his career with this appointment, and it is very well deserved.

“I can speak for global Valor when I say that we’re incredibly proud to be working with Radisson Hotel Group and Manchester City Football Club on the development of The Medlock. It’s an exciting addition to a thriving city, and there is nobody better than Richard to be leading the charge.”

Looking ahead, Richard also shared what he’s most looking forward to in 2026: “The day our full team comes together for the first time. The moment we welcome our first guest. Watching The Medlock become part of the fabric of this incredible city; those will be the real milestones.”

To find out more about the career and progression opportunitiesavailable with us, visit our careers page.

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