GIANNI Baroni has been appointed managing director of the 99-room, three-star privately-owned Monkbar Hotel in York.

Formerly a general manager with Swallow Hotels - most recently at its four-star hotel in Northampton - his experience encompasses the general management of eight hotels throughout the UK.

That includes the opening of two new hotels, the largest being the five-star standard Swallow Royal Bristol.

His appointment coincides with the Monkbar Hotel's tenth anniversary.

"I look forward to making sure that the next decade will see as many exciting changes as the last," he said as he was welcomed by the hotel's general manager, Michael Richards.

PICTURE: ABOVE: Gianni Baroni, left, new managing director of the Monkbar Hotel, is welcomed by general manager Michael Richards