Banyan Tree announces new chief executive officer

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has welcomed back Abid Butt as its new chief executive officer to oversee its Banyan Tree and Angsana brands.

Butt worked for Banyan Tree between 1998 and 2002 – first as area general manager, overseeing the flagship Banyan Tree Phuket, and then as vice president of operations.

Prior to his work with the group, he was with Sheraton, in roles such as regional director of finance operations and general manager at Sheraton Labuan Hotel, Malaysia, as well as a GM role in Canada.

After leaving Banyan Tree, Butt was the vice president and general manager of Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii, as well as vice president of asset management for Hotel Hotels and Resorts in the USA.

Butt said: “I am delighted to return to the Banyan Tree family and participate in the company’s dynamic growth and development. I will be focused on strategic initiatives for the 30 hotels in our current portfolio, along with the successful launch of future projects around the world. I look forward to working with our dedicated associates and valuable partners in continuing to chart the path of BTHR’s pre-eminence in the luxury hospitality space.”

Ho KwonPing, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts executive chairman, said: “As BTHR’s aggressive growth strategy propels the company’s portfolio forward, with a significant pipeline of projects in China, the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia, Abid’s knowledge and expertise in hotel operations and infrastructure will be invaluable.”