Hylands Estate has announced the appointment of Gary Cook as Manager of its wedding, events and conference facility which takes place with immediate effect.

Mr Cook will be responsible for growing the corporate hire business and maximising Hylands’ popular wedding venue offering.

Set among over 500 acres of grounds, featuring manicured lawns and flowerbeds, woodlands and a Serpentine lake, the Estate boasts a contemporary Grand Pavilion and a striking Grade II* listed Georgian mansion.

Both properties can be hired singularly or together to accommodate large groups and events.

Jon Lyons, Leisure and Heritage Services Manager, Chelmsford City Council, said: “Gary will help create a stronger, competitive brand for Hylands.

“His experience working with large leisure and retail companies will play a role in making Hylands Estate known for excellence and high service.”

Prior to this appointment, Mr Cook managed several large UK Holiday Parks as General Manager of the Haven brand, owned by Bourne Leisure who also own Warner Holiday Hotels and Butlins.

Here, he managed teams of over 200, catering for 3500 guests per day staying in 1000 holiday homes. Average business turnover was £11 million per annum.

Previous roles include working with British Petroleum, Pizza Hut and Safeway.

“I want to make Hylands the major choice for business conferences”, said Mr Cook.

“It’s in an ideal location, connected to major travel links, has great facilities and offers open spaces too for events such as creative break-out and team building sessions.

“I will also look at day-to-day amenities to see how these can be improved for all. One of my main areas will be to explore new revenue generating avenues to ensure Hylands Estate is continually developing and remains an inspirational and uplifting place to visit”.

Mr Cook is married with three children and is a big Everton FC football fan.