SIA's Michael Tan appointed Executive Vice-President (Chairman's Office) Millennium & Copthorne Hotels

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (M&C), the London-listed hotel arm of the Hong Leong Group Singapore has appointed Mr Michael Tan as its Executive Vice-President (Chairman's Office) with effect from 16 February 2004.

Mr Tan, who retired recently as Singapore Airline's Senior Executive Vice-President (Commercial), brings with him extensive experience in sales & marketing, advertising & promotions, branding and customer services to Millennium & Copthorne International Limited (MCIL), M&C's Singapore corporate office where he will be based.

His key responsibilities at MCIL will include strategic marketing & advertising, relationship building, product positioning, service innovation and branding.

"Michael's broad and deep knowledge and his experience in achieving overall business and service goals with SIA will be an asset to M&C. I am confident he will bring with him fresh perspectives and approach that will be beneficial for the next phase of our hotels' development," said Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M&C.

"He will definitely strengthen the executive ranks of our hotels," added Mr Kwek, who is also Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group Singapore.

Having rose through the ranks rapidly since joining SIA's predecessor Malayan Airways in 1960, Mr Tan has had hands-on experience in various areas of airline operations. Some of the major innovations he spearheaded included the formation of the PPS Club, Frequent Flyers programmes, SIA World Gourmet Cuisine panel, and two vital service development programmes aimed at boosting quality of SIA service among worldwide staff.

"I am a strong believer of the importance of human resources in the success and sustainability of an organisation. I have helped to instil high morale, strong competitiveness and team spirit amongst the staff in SIA," said the veteran airline executive.

"I am excited with this opportunity to extend my knowledge and experience to a hospitality environment, which in many ways is similar to airline travel. I see M&C as a truly Singapore global group with the potential to become another internationally recognised brand," added Mr Tan.