Recently, Mr. Bignold’s performance improvement and operational transformation work has included leading a multi-hundred million £-pound cost improvement program for a large-listed hotel group. Before that, he spent roughly three years working with Accor, Europe’s largest hotel group, across major programs, including delivery of a €200 million EBITDA improvement program, followed by leadership of the subsequent program to separate Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle business from mainstream brands.

Mr. Bignold works extensively with buy- and sell-side clients on commercial and operating due diligence. His recent, publicly announced transactions include Motel One, the greater than 100-hotel group with pan-European and U.S. operations, sold at a valuation of €4+ billion, and Pellicano Hotels, the ultra-luxury Italian hotel portfolio and The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel), successfully acquired by GIC and APG for €2+ billion.

Working with other leaders in the Tourism, Travel, Hospitality & Leisure Practice, Mr. Bignold has also been involved in significant strategy, asset management and financing engagements, as well as supported some of the sector’s most significant financial restructuring situations. 

Prior to joining A&M, Mr. Bignold held positions directly in the hospitality sector, with FTSE 100 IHG Group, focused on performance and operations across IHG’s 750 hotels in Europe, as well as various advisory roles focused on the travel, tourism, hospitality and leisure sector.

Mr. Bignold earned a master's degree (honours) from the University of Edinburgh. He co-hosts A&M’s annual European Hospitality Investment Conference, and is often asked by both national journalists and specialist industry commentators for market views.