TORONTO, June 4, 2009 � Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a global hotel
leader with a distinctive collection of hotels worldwide, is pleased to
announce new general managers at several of its Asia-based properties currently
in development. The recent appointments reflect the company�s growing
presence in the region and enhance the brand�s regional management capabilities
and overseas infrastructure.
Leading the pre-opening teams as general managers for the new Fairmont
properties are Hans Hordijk at Fairmont Beijing (opening mid July 2009),
Philip Smith at Fairmont Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan (opening October 2009),
and Kamal Naamani at the legendary Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai (opening
2010). Anchoring this respected group of industry professionals is Ian
Wilson, Regional Vice President, Asia, and general manager at the brand�s
inaugural hotel in the Asia Pacific region, Fairmont Singapore.
Hans Hordijk, Fairmont Beijing (July 2009)
As general manager of Fairmont Beijing, Hordijk will oversee the opening
of this exciting new hotel project, a contemporary property that is being
positioned as a �gateway� to the city�s Central Business District. With
a remarkable career spanning more than twenty years, Hordijk will supervise
the day-to-day operations at the hotel and assume complete responsibility
for all 222 well-appointed guestrooms and suites. This role signifies yet
another a high point for Hordijk, whose passion for hotels began in London,
firstly with the Hilton Group and then for several years at The Dorchester
and The Peninsula Group, before moving on to become the general manager
of The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, India. Most recently, Hordijk served
as Vice President, Echelon Resorts, Las Vegas.
Philip Smith, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, Kunshan (October 2009)
A familiar face at Fairmont, but a relative newcomer to the region,
Philip Smith brings a wealth of experience to his position as general manager
at the Fairmont Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan. Smith, most recently the general
manager at Canada�s seaside Fairmont Algonquin, has also held a series
of management positions at other Fairmont properties including world-renowned
mountain resorts The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake
Louise. Smith�s initial focus will be overseeing and leading the pre-opening
activity at this 210-room hotel nestled on the pristine shores of scenic
Yang Cheng Lake.
Kamal Naamani, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai (2010)
Making his way to one of the brand�s most storied hotels is seasoned
hotelier Kamal Naamani, who will lead the restoration and reopening of
Shanghai�s iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel. Naamani boasts a record of extraordinary
operating achievements. He seized the opportunity to be part of the 2001
pre-opening team for Fairmont Dubai, and with his distinctive management
style and outstanding leadership influence, took on the esteemed role as
the property�s general manager a short five years later. Now, Naamani is
embarking on yet another momentous journey with the city�s landmark Peace
Hotel, which is scheduled to reopen in 2010. Situated on the Bund, the
12-storey, 256-room property is being magnificently restored to its former
glamour and will feature some of Shanghai�s greatest historic art deco
and streamlined furnishings, creating an aura of timeless contemporary
luxury.
Ian Wilson, Fairmont Singapore
Rounding out Fairmont�s hotel team in Asia is Ian Wilson, regional
vice president, Asia, and general manager of the Fairmont Singapore. The
quintessential hotelier, Wilson brings a dynamic mix of experience and
industry knowledge to this role and has been instrumental in introducing
the Fairmont brand in Asia. Prior to launching the brand�s first
hotel in the market, Fairmont Singapore, in late 2007, Wilson served as
general manager at the landmark Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, where he
successfully positioned the hotel as one of Canada�s top revenue-generating
hotels. In addition to providing leadership and guidance to his new
team of general mangers, Wilson is also tasked with supporting the brand�s
regional development activity, which includes announced Fairmont hotel
projects in leading destinations such as Manila, Sanya and Macao.
About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels &
Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, which includes
iconic landmarks like the Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace
in Switzerland and New York's The Plaza. Fairmont hotels
are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover
culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated
in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont
is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable
hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont's
portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 20
new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai,
Abu Dhabi and Anguilla. Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International,
a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels worldwide under the Raffles,
Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and
Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.
For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit
www.fairmont.com. |