The chief executive of Macdonald Hotels David Guile has stepped down from his role after a total of 13 years at the hotel company.

Guile has been chief executive of Macdonald Vacation Club for the last six years and will leave to pursue other interests.

He said: “My decision to leave the company has been the toughest decision in my career particularly as Macdonald Hotels has been a huge part of my life over the last 13 years, but I feel the time is right to move on and pursue other interests. I have been privileged to lead a fantastic team of people to success and I would like to thank them for their support and contribution in developing Macdonald Hotels into the leading quality brand that it is today.

“Following the recent refinancing with Lloyds Banking Group and our continued positive trading performance, the company is well placed for its next phase of development and I wish all involved with the company every success for the future”.

The company’s executive chairman Donald Macdonald will assume the role of interim chief executive after he decided not to appoint an immediate replacement.

It comes after Macdonald Resorts announced its partial owner agreements will now include an exit route. The hotel operator has finalised plans that mean members have the right to exit, following discussions with its UK and Spanish committees. The new proposals will be approved in the coming weeks in what Macdonald thinks will have a ‘ripple effect’ throughout the timeshare industry.