13 September 2016 (Hong Kong) – Marco Polo Hotels has appointed marketing professional, Ms. Alka Datwani, as Group Director, Branding & Communications for new luxury hotel brand, Niccolo Hotels, and Marco Polo Hotels group.

A seasoned hotelier, Alka brings with her over 12 years in luxury hospitality and hotel experience to her new role. “Looking to raise the bar in brand building and innovation, Alka’s solid background in marketing communications and branding will be a tremendous lift to our group,” said Dr. Jennifer Cronin, President, Niccolo and Marco Polo Hotels. “Her extensive experience marketing international luxury hotel brands globally for both corporate and property levels, is the ideal fit for our group and we look forward to her leading the development of new branding initiatives and marketing strategies for both our new luxury brand, Niccolo Hotels, and Marco Polo Hotels.

“I am delighted to join the world of Niccolo and Marco Polo and drive the company to become brand icons and industry leaders. The expansion of both brands across key regional cities make it an opportune time to focus on strengthening branding and communications for the group and I hope to orchestrate the evolution of our brands to new heights”, said Alka speaking of her new role.

Formerly Director of Communications for Cordis, Hong Kong, Alka helped to successfully launch Langham Hospitality Group’s new brand, Cordis Hotels & Resorts, while rebranding the group’s flagship hotel Langham Place Hong Kong in 2015, where she oversaw marketing communications, public relations and digital media to drive rooms, sales and marketing, partnerships, food and beverage, wedding and spa functions, over a span of 5 years.

Alka’s previous roles include senior positions with Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts, St. Regis Macao and Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts, following her dynamic career in advertising with Ogilvy & Mather and TBWA.

Alka is a BA Honours graduate in Business Administration from the European Business School in London, United Kingdom.