Andrew Keith, the former chief executive officer of Selfridges, will lead the transformation of the historic Jenners Building in Edinburgh into a multi-use development including a boutique hotel.
Keith, who was born in Edinburgh, will take up the job in early 2025, which will see the former department store house a 90-bedroom boutique hotel across its upper floors, as well as a cafe and a few bars and restaurants.
Jenners closed as a department store in 2020 and the multi-million refurbishment project has already begun. Construction firm Graham has been appointed to carry out the shell and core works at the historic building, while its ‘sensitive restoration’ will be overseen by David Chipperfield Architects and focus on reviving many original features that have been lost over time.
Keith was in charge at Selfridges for four years, leading the business through the Covid pandemic and guiding it through a change of ownership. He left the firm in July this year.
Keith commented: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take on such an important and visionary project. As a native of Edinburgh, I am well aware of the role that Jenners has played in the commercial and cultural life of the city, and indeed of Scotland and the world beyond.
“Our mission with this project is to have an impact beyond the building itself, and to deliver long-term commercial and social value by introducing innovative products that will excite customers and engage with the local community.
“The scale of the challenge cannot be underestimated, but I feel confident we can create a destination of which Edinburgh can be proud.”
The Jenners Building is owned by AAA United, a real estate company headed up by Danish retail billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.
Anders Krogh, for AAA United, commented: “When we acquired the Jenners building, we knew that it came with a great deal of responsibility.
“We are fully dedicated to honouring this building and its place within the future of Edinburgh, and our proposals will ensure that members of the public continue to enjoy this iconic building and its facilities for many years to come. We are delighted that Andrew Keith has agreed to lead this project.”
