Why it matters: The restructure brings together operations spanning restaurants, accommodation, spa and catering under one leader for the first time, creating a role with the scope and complexity of a resort hotel.
The details: The newly created General Manager, Dedham role oversees 27 bedrooms, plus the Idle Waters luxury cottage, Talbooth Restaurant (which holds three AA Rosettes), Milsoms Brasserie, Talbooth Spa, three private dining rooms, summer banqueting, and Milsom Catering, including Hengrave Hall.
The appointment follows the promotion of Geoff Hare to General Manager at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall and has provided the opportunity to restructure the senior leadership across Dedham.
Jess Counsell previously served as General Manager at Talbooth Restaurant and Talbooth House & Spa. She graduated from the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma (MIALD) in 2023, a programme recognised across the hospitality industry for developing future senior leaders.
What they're saying: Paul Milsom, Managing Director of Milsom Hotels & Restaurants, said: "Jess's career trajectory with us has been outstanding. She has demonstrated maturity, commercial understanding and leadership throughout her time with us. Uniting our Dedham businesses under one General Manager has long been an ambition, and Jess is absolutely the right person to take this forward."
Ms Counsell said: "I am incredibly proud to be taking on the role of General Manager, Dedham. Having worked with the teams at Talbooth Restaurant, Talbooth House & Spa and Milsoms, it is a privilege to bring these businesses together as one. Dedham is where the Milsom story began, and I'm excited to lead this next chapter."
The bottom line: The restructure consolidates Milsom's Dedham operations under unified leadership, creating a role with responsibilities aligned to a resort hotel while maintaining the company's focus on guest experience and team development.
