Peter Woo Takes Over as Chairman of Marco Polo Hotels
as Top Hospitality Industry Strategist is Appointed President
(Hong Kong September 28th,2007) – Leading Hong Kong businessman Mr. Peter Woo, Chairman of The Wharf Group, today announced that Marco Polo Hotels, a division of Wharf, will be re-structured as a separate companyto be renamed ‘Marco Polo Hotels Limited’ and that he will become Chairman.
At the same time Mr. Woo also announced the appointment of Mr. Steve Kleinschmidt, a leading hospitality industry strategist currently based in Canada, as President of Marco Polo Hotels Limited from October 1st, 2007.
“This is the beginning of a very exciting new era for Marco Polo Hotels, which is now poised for greater presence and growth in a rapidly expanding travel market” said Mr. Woo.
Marco Polo Hotels Limited will be a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wharf Group and able to respond more rapidly to market opportunities and independently pursue its strategic growth and brand building objectives. “A vision of excellence, that leverages our competitive advantages, will be our primary focus.” added Mr. Woo.
Mr. Steve Kleinschmidt joins Marco Polo Hotels Ltd. from PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada, where he led the Hospitality and Leisure Division, based in Vancouver. From 1992 to 1999 he worked in Hong Kong as Managing Director and CEO Asia/Pacific for Pannell Kerr Forster (PKF Consulting Limited) with responsibility for 18 countries across the Asiaregion.
Over the past 20 years he has worked with many of the world’s leading hotel companies and travel industry organizations, with global experience in project development, financing, strategic planning and performance improvement throughout the Asia/Pacific region, North America and the Caribbean.
“I am delighted to be returning to Hong Kong and to be a part of a new and excitingphase in the development of this established and highly respected luxury hotel company.” said Mr. Kleinschmidt.
Mr. Kleinschmidt is a past Advisory Board member for the University of Victoria’s Hospitality Management Program in the Faculty of Business and is a strong advocate for hospitality industry education. He is also a Senior Lecturer for the University of Salzburg’s Executive MBA in Tourism & Leisure Management.
At the same time, Mr. Woo also announced the appointment of renowned hotelier, Mr. Dario Regazzoniand head of the Lane Crawford Joyce Group, Ms. Bonnie Brooks to the Board of Directors of Marco Polo Hotels Limited.
Mr. Regazzoni, who was recently appointed the lead strategic advisor to the company, is one of Asia’s most respected and experienced 5-star hotel operators. He was long associated with the Conrad Hong Kong and formerly Senior Vice President for Hilton Hotels Corporation in Asia.
Ms Brooks is currently President of the Lane Crawford Joyce Group and brings her substantial experience in strategic marketing and luxury brand positioning to the hotel company.
Commenting on the company re-structuring, Mr. Woo said, “We recognize the unique qualities that exist within the Marco Polo brand and the opportunities open to us to revitalize and upgrade our reputation and performance in this dynamic sector. Our new five star hotels in China and the current renovation program underway in our Hong Kong properties, provide the foundations for our future pursuit of excellence and prominence in the luxury hotel sector.”
ABOUT MARCO POLO HOTELS
Marco Polo Hotels Limited currently has a portfolio of 12luxury properties in Asia,including:
ChinaHong KongMarco Polo Hongkong Hotel
Hong KongGateway
Hong KongPrince
BeijingMarco Polo Parkside
ChengduMarco Polo (2010)
ShenzhenMarco Polo
WuhanMarco Polo (2008)
WuxiMarco Polo (2011)
XiamenMarco Polo
PhilippinesCebu Marco Polo Plaza
DavaoMarco Polo
VietnamHo Chi Minh CityOmni Saigon Hotel
Further details on Marco Polo Hotels are available at
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