Duncan Clements has been appointed GM of The Elms Hotel & Spa, A Destination Hotel, located in Excelsior Springs, Mo. The property also is revamping its sales and marketing team, with the promotion of Kara Harrington to director of sales.
“This is an exciting time of renewal at The Elms,” Clements said in a statement. “With new owners, Horizon Hotel Group, and the property joining the Destination Hotels collection, combined with fresh on-site leadership, we look forward to taking the guest experience at The Elms to new heights. In the coming months, we’ll be debuting new spa and dining concepts as well as new programing that delivers a 21st century level of comfort and service, with a nod to the property’s rich history.”
Clements joins The Elms after more than a decade working for resorts in Chicago and coastal Florida. A native of the United Kingdom, Clements brings luxury hotel knowledge to The Elms, having served in management positions at properties around the globe. Most recently, he was GM at the YVE Hotel Miami, and prior to that held the same position at The Hall South Beach. Clements started his career with Intercontinental Hotels, where he served in hotel management positions in Budapest and Toronto.
Clements holds a degree in hotel and catering studies from Manchester University in the UK.
Kara Harrington was promoted to director of sales in recognition of her success with group and wedding business at The Elms. Harrington brings knowledge of the Midwest hospitality industry to the position, having served in sales positions at a number of resorts in the area. Before joining The Elms in 2014, Harrington served as the sales manager of the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center in Branson, Mo. Harrington is a graduate of Columbia College.
The 153-room Elms Hotel & Spa is located 30 minutes from Kansas City in the town of Excelsior Springs. Located among vineyards, golf courses, historic sites, parks and trails, the Spa at The Elms provides 25,000-square-feet of space, including a modern Roman bath, a sauna and a steam room.