John Wagner joins Zeal Hotels

Hotel sector veteran John Wagner has joined Zeal Hotels as a non-executive director, bringing his expertise to the group as it expands.

The appointment comes as Zeal Hotels prepares to open its first net zero carbon hotel, the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, in January 2025.

The four-star, 142-bedroom net zero carbon property is currently under construction and on schedule in week 62 of a 75-week construction programme. The hotel surpasses the 2050 target for energy efficiency and will create more energy than it will utilise.

Wagner will support the team as they develop the net zero carbon Zeal Hotel brand and help to promote ESG collaboration within the hospitality industry.

Wagner has previously held positions including co-founder and CEO of Cycas Hospitality, one of the largest, and most successful, white label operators in Europe with franchises from Marriott, Hyatt, Radisson, Accor and IHG.

Prior to joining Cycas, he was VP at IHG, where he planned and developed the European and Middle East variant of the Staybridge Suites brand. He has extensive knowledge in hotel marketing, operations and strategic development having lived and worked in his native US, as well as Paris, Prague, London and Amsterdam. He said: “Climate change is the most pressing issue of our times and in the hotel sector we have a chance to make a real difference. I am looking forward to working with Zeal Hotels in this critical moment and having the opportunity to learn and lead by example.”

Tim Wheeldon, managing director of Zeal Hotels, said: “John has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry and brings extensive knowledge of worldwide brand development. He has worked with hotel groups, investors, and developers. Perhaps more importantly; he understands the requirement for a quality guest experience, which is at the forefront of our minds with the new net zero carbon Zeal Hotels concept. “We are thrilled to welcome John to Team Zeal at this exciting time.”

The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, which achieved the BREEAM Outstanding rating at the design stage, will be located adjacent to J29 of the M5 Motorway and less than a mile from Exeter airport.

The hotel will be operated by Valor Hospitality and will join IHG’s network as the group’s first ever new-build net zero carbon hotel.

John Wagner