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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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and North America for Langham Hotels International |
 March
25, 2009 - Langham Hotels International (LHI) has promoted hospitality
veteran, Katie Benson, to the newly created position of Regional Vice President
� Europe and North America � signaling the group�s growing ambition as
a luxury hotel operator. In addition, Ms Benson will become Managing Director
of The Langham London, relaunching the original grand hotel as one of London�s
top three hotels from April after a massive £80 million restoration
and refurbishment.
Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langham Hotels International said: �In the 9 years she has been with us, Katie has played an impressive role in the development of The Langham brand in Melbourne and Hong Kong. We feel confident that her knowledge and expertise will continue to contribute to the company�s success at our flagship hotel in London while developing new and existing properties strategically in North America and Europe.� In her dual role, Ms Benson will lead the repositioning of The Langham in London as it evolves and take up the strategic responsibility for The Langham properties in North America. She will also be active in the future developments for LHI in the USA and Europe. Before her promotion, Ms Benson served as Managing Director of The Langham, Hong Kong, where she oversaw all aspects of the operation from 2007. She also successfully relaunched and positioned The Langham, Melbourne in 2005 as one of the premier hotels in the city where she was also the only woman to be named Australian Hotelier of the Year by HM Magazine. Ms Benson has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. �I�m thrilled about the exciting challenges that lie ahead�, Ms Benson said. �2009 will be a year of developments, not only for The Langham, London but for our properties across North America and Europe. I�m looking forward to working with the dedicated teams at each of these properties to roll out a number of exciting projects.� Cited by Hotel Management magazine as an �exceptional hospitality professional,� Ms. Benson has held executive positions at luxury hotels in Middle East, China and Australia. �The most enjoyable part of my job is connecting with people in all walks of life, and I look forward to bringing my experiences to my new roles� she says. About Langham Hotels International & Its Affiliates Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe�s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience. The group is pursuing an aggressive portfolio growth strategy using its distinctive brands and affiliate � The Langham, Langham Place and Eaton. Currently 15 hotels, including affiliates, are open or in the pipeline across four continents. The Langham is where guests can enjoy service with poise and be enchanted by our innovation and traditions while Langham Place, the fun sibling of The Langham, is about living the 21st century through design, technology and attitude, epitomising stimulating and artistic hospitality |
| Contact:
Sherona Shng
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| Also See: | Brett Butcher Promoted to Chief Executive Officer, Langham Hotels International / March 2009 |
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