Luxury hotel group Corinthia Hotels has appointed a director of learning, development and wellbeing, as part of a strategy to improve retention and staff happiness.

Rachel Begbie has joined the group following an 18-year stint with Four Seasons Hotels and will be tasked with “strengthening Corinthia’s talent pool”, which consists of 2,500 full-time and 500 part-time employees.

She will be responsible for reviewing and developing and implementing wellbeing systems and programmes across Corinthia's eight hotels in the UK.

“Consistency is going to be key in all areas across the portfolio,” Begbie said.

“We seek to be known as an employer of choice and create a strong employee brand.”

The announcement of the new wellness-driven approach to staff development comes just months after Corinthia introduced guest-focused mindfulness and fitness programmes at its flagship ESPA Life at Corinthia spa in London.

The additions at ESPA Life – housed at the Corinthia London hotel – include mindful fitness sessions and a partnership with BodySPace, introducing a bespoke hybrid fitness concept for guests.

Combining exercise, nutrition and innovative technology, the service will help guests improve their physical fitness and overall quality of life.