Ascott Strengthens Southeast Asian Operations with New Leadership
In a significant move to bolster its presence in Southeast Asia, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a prominent lodging unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has announced the appointment of two seasoned industry professionals to spearhead its regional portfolio.
Expertise Meets Strategy: David Cumming and Kanit Sangmookda Appointed
David Cumming steps in as the Regional General Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, while Kanit Sangmookda takes on the role of Country General Manager for Thailand and Laos. These strategic appointments aim to leverage emerging market opportunities and enhance Ascott’s operational readiness in these fast-growing regions.
A Closer Look at the New Leaders
David Cumming, equipped with over two decades of global hospitality experience, joins Ascott after notable tenures with Onyx Hospitality Group, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Accor. His expertise in MICE, F&B operations, and strategic planning is expected to significantly contribute to Ascott’s expansion goals.
Kanit Sangmookda, a Thai national with an impressive background in managing large hotel portfolios for Marriott International, Minor Hotels, and the former Starwood Hotels & Resorts, is set to oversee more than 30 properties in Thailand and Laos, with a substantial number slated to open in the next three years.
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Words from Ascott’s Leadership
Ms. Wong Kar Ling, Managing Director, Southeast Asia and Head of Strategy & Global Operations at Ascott, emphasized the importance of Southeast Asia in Ascott’s global strategy. “Southeast Asia holds one of Ascott’s largest footprint spanning more than 65,000 units across almost 90 cities and growing. Our Regional and Country General Managers play integral roles in leading our network of operationally-ready teams that go deep in-market across geographies,” she stated. Wong highlighted the critical role of regional and country general managers in leading Ascott’s operationally-ready teams.
She further noted, “Both David and Kanit bring with them extensive experience with global hotel chains which will further strengthen our capability to grow Ascott’s portfolio of flex-hybrid properties to further us on our continued journey as a global hospitality company.”
Wong also added, “The travel landscape is changing and as we enter a new era of hospitality, these new appointments will be instrumental in propelling the drive for operational excellence and commercial performance across the properties in David and Kanit’s portfolios.”
Educational Backgrounds of the Appointees
David Cumming is a British national holding a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Administration from the Robert Gordon University, UK. Kanit Sangmookda, on the other hand, has a Master’s Degree in International Business Management from Wollongong University, Australia.
The Road Ahead for Ascott
With these appointments, Ascott is poised to further its journey as a global hospitality leader, focusing on operational excellence and commercial performance in the dynamic Southeast Asian market.
