HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Mar. 19, 2019) – After more than three decades in the hospitality industry, including 20 years managing hotels in Thailand, Samir Wildemann has moved east to Vietnam where he’s joined the Fusion hospitality group as vice president of operations.
Fusion is planning to open several new properties in the next two years including two hotels in Saigon, one in Vung Tau, and a new resort in Quang Binh. They recently completed two major expansion projects at existing resorts in Phu Quoc and Cam Ranh. Wildemann will help refine and enhance Fusion’s luxury experience at all Fusion properties.
The German-native’s most recent role was as general manager and senior vice president for Southeast Asia at Siam Kempinski Hotel, a position he held for three years from 2015 – 2018. He has held the position of Corporate Executive Officer at Okura Hotels & Resorts and opened The Okura Prestige Bangkok (2010 – 2015) and with Carlson Rezidor Bangkok (2008 – 2010).
Wildemann spent the first 17 years of his career with Le Méridien, entering the industry in Le Méridien Paris’s front office. He assumed his first senior hotel management role with Le Méridien in Singapore more than 24 years ago.
“I have always worked for mid-sized international chains and wanted to join a smaller but growing organisation, like Fusion,” explained Wildemann. “At Fusion my background can contribute to growth and development and further strengthen the reputation and strong positioning Fusion already has in Vietnam and eventually will one day have abroad.”
Wildemann has lived and worked in more than 10 countries, starting kindergarten in Bangkok, spending his early school years in New Delhi and the remainder of his childhood through to high school in Tokyo. His first work experience took him to Hong Kong before he made his way back to the continent of his birth for his hospitality studies. With his international upbringing Samir speaks German, English and French fluently and conversational Japanese.
“Samir’s wealth of international experience, brand knowledge, and opening know-how will prove invaluable to Fusion as we continue to expand,” said Atilla Erda, Fusion’s chief operating officer.
