Swiss-Belhotel International has named Laurent A. Voivenel as senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India.
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145 hotels, resorts and projects worldwide and is targeting the Middle East, Africa and India region as a key growth market.
Making the announcement, Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “With an outstanding portfolio of globally-recognised brands, we are aggressively expanding our footprint across the world, and the Middle East, Africa and India region is ‘big’ on our development plans.
“To support this massive growth, it is crucial to have strong leadership. We are delighted to welcome Mr Laurent A. Voivenel on board who will spearhead our operations and development in the Middle East, Africa and India. We are confident with his impressive track record, vast experience and extensive local network, he will be instrumental in strengthening and accelerating our expansion in the region.”
Voivenel, who will be based in Swiss-Belhotel’s regional office in Dubai, has over 30 years of international hotel and asset management experience, including 16 years in the Middle East.
He has worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and most recently was CEO of Hospitality Management Holding (HMH).
Commenting on his new role, Voivenel said: “It is an enormous privilege to join Swiss-Belhotel International at this pivotal point when it is one of fastest growing hospitality groups. I am very excited to take up this new challenge and truly grateful to Swiss-Belhotel International for having given me this fantastic opportunity.
“I look forward to working closely with Gavin M. Faull and other team members to capitalise on the enormous opportunities in the Middle East, Africa and India in order to build on the group’s strong presence in the region.”
With a master’s degree in Business Administration, Laurent has experience in spearheading corporate mergers and acquisitions, hotel development and investment and multi-brand operations.
Swiss-Belhotel was established in 1987 on mainland China, and has expanded into Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Vietnam and the Middle East.
