�Over a year ago, I started the search for the right candidate and I�m pleased that Octavio Gamarra has decided to join us,� Mr. Donavanik said.  �His experience and success for over 17 years with the luxury hotel business, the last eight in Asia-Pacific, was a key factor in our decision,� he added.

Dusit is looking to the future but is not forgetting its remarkable history and legacy. As the premier luxury brand in Thailand, Dusit is making great strides in bringing its renowned Thai hospitality and innovation to the rest of Asia and the Middle East.

�The Dusit Thani is a great hotel, while the D2 in Chang Mai has been receiving great accolades from our guests. It was that combination of great tradition and the brands� future innovative products that made my decision to join Dusit an easy one � that was the catalyst,� Mr. Gamarra remarked.

A 17-year veteran with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and a graduate of the Hotel School in Lausanne Switzerland, Gamarra�s two recent posts were with the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka and the Ritz-Carlton, Singapore. While in Singapore, Mr. Gamarra was also Co-Chairman of the Service Capabilities committee of the government-organized GEMS movement (Go the Extra Mile for Service).