Virgin Hotels on Monday named James Bermingham as CEO, effective immediately. Bermingham joins the Virgin Hotels executive team following nearly two decades with Montage International. He will be responsible for delivering the company’s global growth pipeline, customer experience and culture.
Bringing more than 35 years of industry experience to the position, Bermingham began his hospitality career in his hometown of Dublin, followed by 10 years in London, including executive roles with ITT Sheraton Corp. His career then led him to the United States, where he held GM roles at the St. Regis Hotel in Houston and the Montage Laguna Beach. Since 2008, he served as executive vice president, Operations for Montage International, where he oversaw all aspects of operations for the Montage and Pendry Hotel brand’s seven hotels and resorts, including owner relations, culture development and sales and marketing.
Bermingham assumes his new role as Virgin Hotels, founded in 2010, plans for three coast-to-coast openings in Las Vegas, New Orleans and New York City. Properties in Miami and Edinburgh are also in development, with additional opportunities being pursued in Philadelphia, Glasgow, Cannes and Ibiza.
“I have long admired Virgin Hotels’ ability to seamlessly blend smart and innovative design with elevated service and – maybe most importantly – fun,” Bermingham said. “Watching the brand grow into itself as a reliable haven for both leisure and business travelers without sacrificing its inherent ‘cool factor’ has been exciting, to say the least, and I’m really looking forward to joining such a dynamic team.”