Ascott announces 6 key appointments in global expansion move

SINGAPORE - The Ascott has announced six key appointments in the functions of business development, strategy, and operations.

The lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment on June 27 said that the move will support its global expansion in management and franchise contracts, as well as catalyse strategic growth.

This comes as Ascott charts a new growth trajectory towards achieving its target of over $500 million in fee revenue by 2028, it added.

Venessa Koo, vice-president of business development for Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam joins the company from Silks Hotel Group, where she was formerly chief operating officer.

Teo Junrong has been appointed vice-president, business development to oversee markets across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He previously worked at Colliers Hotels & Leisure Asia as director of capital markets and advisory Asia.

Thomas Lamson, vice-president, business development and product and technical services, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), is responsible for structuring Ascott’s development strategy in EMEA. Prior to joining the company, he was the chief development, design and real estate officer at Adagio, a subsidiary of the Accor Group and Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs Group.

Joseph Wong was named managing director for China to drive the organisation’s business development, on top of overseeing all aspects of Ascott’s operations, in this market.

“The appointment of these industry veterans to our business development team signals our commitment to invest in top talent to build Ascott’s growth ecosystem and establish Ascott as the operator of choice for lodging property owners around the world. With each of them focusing on a key region, Ascott is now better positioned to penetrate deeper into existing markets and make headway in new markets through targeted growth strategies,” said chief growth officer Serena Lim.

New strategy and operational leads were also named.

Steven Chan was appointed vice-president, global franchise services and regional manager for Indochina, while Sophie Mougel was hired as vice-president, strategy and regional manager for the Philippines and Malaysia. Both Mr Chan and Ms Mougel helm dual portfolios.

Ascott’s chief strategy officer Wong Kar Ling said that these leads will help to drive the company’s commercial performance in key markets as it pursues strategic growth initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, transformation and partnerships.

Ms Wong added: “We are committed to strengthening Ascott’s competitive edge to continue delivering on exceptional stay experiences for our guests, strong value and returns for our owners, as well as attractive career opportunities for our associates.” THE BUSINESS TIMES