The hospitality industry was saddened to hear news of the death of Russell Stevens, founder of Three Cities Hotel Management Company and well known for his leadership within the South African hotel and property development space.
Russell’s career began with Barlow Rand, where he worked as personal assistant to Punch Barlow. He was invited to join the board of The Royal Hotel, where he was to be the guiding force behind the expansion and refurbishment of Durban’s most famous city hotel, beginning in 1973.
Russell pioneered the creation of Three Cities Hotel Management Company, also directing the evolution of a hotel training school within the Carlton Hotel in Johannesburg, and later a training division within Three Cities Management. He was the driver of the development and opening of the Suncoast Casino in Durban and, under his tenure, Three Cities was appointed to operate and manage uShaka Marine World, which won international awards.
Russell retired to Plettenberg Bay, where he resumed his first love of farming, but he continued to work on hotel and property projects, from 150 flat-pack villas in Mozambique to new-style retirement offerings, influenced by his vast experience in the top-end luxury hotel industry.
He was a pilot and he also had a tremendous passion for training and riding horses.
He leaves his wife Linda, five children and 11 grandchildren.
