Bangkok, Thailand–Dec. 22, 2015 – With three promotions and a new hire, Centara Hotels & Resorts corporate operations team is being infused with some new energy and direction as the company continues to grow.
The four new Group Directors of Operations’ roles were created as a response to the rapid growth in Centara’s property portfolio. With properties in diverse regions, each requiring specific attention, there will now be greater concentration on the strategic areas for Centara, strengthening the product offerings and services.
Starting his career with Centara in 2007, Robert Maurer-Loeffler has been promoted to Group Director of Operations for Bangkok & City Hotels. Prior to his promotion, Maurer-Loeffler was General Manager of Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
With a deep understanding of the Centara brands and products, Austin Robinson has been promoted from Area General Manager Phuket overseeing Centara Karon Resort Phuket, Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara, and Centara Kata Resort Phuket to the Group Director of Operations, responsible for properties in East Thailand and Vietnam. Robinson started his career with Centara in 2011 as General Manager of Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya.
Since joining Centara in 2014, Harry Thaliwal has been instrumental in leading the development of one of Centara’s newest brands, COSI Hotels. His role has now been expanded to Group Director of Operations, responsible for South Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali and the COSI portfolio.
Centara is pleased to welcome Kamal Chaoui to the team as the Group Director of Operations – Premium Resorts responsible for Centara Grand Resorts, the company's five star brand. Chaoui, a French national with more than 29 years of experience, started his career with Hyatt International Corporation where he spent 16 years in various positions worldwide. He has also worked with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group. Before taking on this new role, Chaoui was the General Manager at the newly opened Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. He brings a wealth of knowledge and global perspective that will help in further developing brand standards and operational quality.
Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts said, “It is very rewarding to see the continued growth and development of our Centara members. “I am pleased to know they are as passionate about the success and development of Centara as I am. We know with these four additions to our operations team, we will be able to reach or development goals and supersede our guests expectations.”
