US: San Francisco-based Sonder has hired Jeremy Rawlinson and Daniel Dyball as a part of its global growth strategy.
Hospitality company Sonder has appointed Jeremy Rawlinson as UK general manager and Daniel Dyball as senior director of public policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as a part of its strategy for growth in Scotland.
Rawlinson started his career at onefinestay in 2012, where he held multiple operational roles, including launching new markets. Afterward, he joined Deliveroo in 2014 as the 10th employee and the general manager for rest of UK, and as a global director and director of global expansion, setting up and expanding its delivery-only kitchens concept Editions. This included launching Deliveroo’s service in new locations around the world, including Scotland.
Rawlinson said: “It is great to be joining Sonder as the company looks to expand its global presence, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We will not only be enhancing our current operation in Edinburgh, but also have plans to open a new property at Finnieston in Glasgow as part of our strategy for growth across the UK. With guests seeking a contactless experience now more than ever, we are well-positioned due to our leading-edge technology to deliver this and provide travelers peace of mind—and to support the recovery of the tourism sector in the future.”
Dyball has held senior policy roles at broadcaster Channel 4, where he worked on policy issues; including increasing the amount of programming made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; as well as the UK National Lottery operator Camelot and HM Treasury. Prior to joining Sonder, Dyball worked as UK executive director at Internet Association, the trade body for leading internet companies. There he ran its first international office in the UK and supported internet companies’ growth across the four nations, engaging constructively with the government, media and third sector on a wide range of tech policy and regulatory issues.
He said: “I’m delighted to be joining Sonder during such a pivotal growth phase as the company expands responsibly across EMEA. Through its industry-leading technology, unique business model and world-class team, Sonder is powering innovation in the travel and hospitality sector. I look forward to partnering with policymakers and local communities to help bring guests memorable experiences in truly remarkable spaces.”
Harsh Mehta, Sonder vice-president of EMEA, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Jeremy and Daniel to the Sonder team as we continue to grow in Scotland and across Europe this year, supporting the local communities and cities in which we operate through sustaining jobs and stimulating the economy.”
Incorporated in 2012, and formally launching the business with its first employee in 2014, Sonder recently reached a $1.3 billion valuation. Currently, Sonder operates 30 managed serviced apartments at Queen Street in Edinburgh, which is set to expand to 45 this year, and will open its maiden Glasgow property – a 41-unit managed serviced apartment block, in the next few months.
