Scott Dunn has opened a sales office in San Diego as part of its global expansion.
The luxury operator said the office will handle sales for the US market but will also enable it to offer extended opening hours to guests calling from all around the world.
The move follows a ‘significant increase’ in group turnover in 2015, including a 39% rise in non-UK turnover.
Scott Dunn will initially employ 12 people in California but plans to double the workforce there within the next 12 months as it adds specialists in Africa, Asia, India, Latin America and Europe to the team.
The US business will be led by John Spence, who will become Scott Dunn’s new president, North America, reporting to Scott Dunn CEO Simon Russell.
Announcing the latest move, Russell said North America already represents nearly 5% of sales.
Scott Dun was acquired in December 2014 by private equity group Inflexion, who are backing a major investment programme.
Since changing hands, the operator has launched a dedicated marketing focus in the Middle East and localised versions of its website in key global markets.
It currently employs over 160 people at its offices in London and Chichester.
