Hong Kong’s Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Sam-Erik Ruttman to the newly-created position of vice president — development (Middle East) based in Dubai.
Ruttmann has been charged with driving the luxury hotel group’s growth in the Middle East, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha identified as target markets.
Previously, Ruttmann was regional vice president of development for Thai hotel chain Dusit, responsible for setting up the group’s development office in the Middle East.
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He has also enjoyed leadership positions at property level for luxury hospitality brands with general manager roles in Indonesia, Kuwait, Finland and Thailand.
Langham Hospitality Group vice president – development (Worldwide) Andrew Jessop commented: “Sam-Erik has an excellent track record in securing new luxury projects and in-depth experience in pre-opening projects including technical services. He will be an invaluable asset to Langham Hospitality as we seek to grow our luxury portfolio along the ‘New Silk Road’.”
The company, which takes its name from the legendary Langham in London, opened in 1865, is primarily focused on growth in China, India and the Middle East.
The group has four hotel brands and one spa brand: the luxury Langham; international five-star Langham Place; upscale Eaton Luxe; midscale Eaton Smart; and Chuan Spa.
Currently 27 member hotels are open or in the pipeline across four continents.
Back in October 2010, the group announced plans for its first property in the Middle East with a Langham Place in Doha, which was then forecast to open in late 2012.
Langham Hospitality Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, which was founded in 1963 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972.
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