Ascott Appoints Country General Manager To Strengthen Its Lead In Vietnam
CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (http://www.the-ascott.com/) (Ascott), has appointed Mr Graham Black as its Country General Manager for Vietnam. Mr Black, a veteran of the hospitality industry, will oversee Ascott’s operations and ensure the continued growth of its serviced residence business in Vietnam.
Mr Alfred Ong, Ascott’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Australia, said: “As the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in Vietnam, Ascott has over 1,600 apartment units in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong and Danang. Vietnam is a key growth market for Ascott and we will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen our leadership position in Vietnam. Graham has amassed 30 years of experience in the international hospitality sector. With his industry knowledge and expertise, he will play a key role in leading our Vietnam team to enhance Ascott’s business in the country.”
No stranger to Ascott, Mr Black was the company’s General Manager for Sydney from 2003 to 2007. He was instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and achieving record profits across Ascott’s properties in Sydney. Besides Ascott, Mr Black has previously held senior appointments at Stamford Hotels and Resorts, Park Hyatt, and Sheraton.
Mr Black said: “I am glad to be back at Ascott and take on this exciting role. As a pioneer in the serviced residence industry in Vietnam, Ascott has built a strong reputation with its award-winning Somerset brand over the past 17 years. As Vietnam rapidly develops, there will be huge opportunities for us to grow. I look forward to working closely with the team as we endeavour to offer the perfect home away from home for global travellers on short and long visits to Vietnam.”
Ascott currently operates two serviced residences in Ho Chi Minh City – Somerset Chancellor Court (http://www.somerset.com/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/somerset_chancellor_court.html) and Somerset Ho Chi Minh City (http://www.somerset.com/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/somerset_ho_chi_minh_city.html), and three serviced residences in Hanoi – Somerset Hoa Binh (http://www.somerset.com/vietnam/hanoi/somerset_hoa_binh.html), Somerset West Lake (http://www.somerset.com/vietnam/hanoi/somerset_west_lake.html) and Somerset Grand Hanoi (http://www.somerset.com/vietnam/hanoi/somerset_grand_hanoi.html). The company will open Somerset Central TD Hai Phong City in 2013 and Somerset Danang Bay in 2014.
