Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific appoints Managing Director of two new Hotels in China

Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific has appointed Mr. Nigel Grocock to the position of managing director of two new hotels in China, The Regent Beijing and Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing.

Commencing his new role today, 4 July 2005, Mr. Grocock will be responsible for managing all aspects of the 499-room Regent Beijing, encompassing 442 guest rooms, 57 suites, four restaurants, two ballrooms, a health club, boardroom and eight meeting rooms. Scheduled to open in July 2006, the hotel will be located in the heart of Beijing’s commercial centre to serve business and leisure travellers. Forming part of the same development, the 216-room Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is scheduled to open in November 2005.

Mr. Grocock, who will manage over 1,000 employees across both hotels, brings to the position almost 30 years experience in the hotel industry, with 20 years spent in Asia Pacific. He has widespread pre-opening, development and operational management experience, having been previously responsible for the expansion of the Traders Hotel in Beijing from 298 rooms to 564 rooms and overseeing two Shangri-La Hotels in Manila from pre-opening to operational stage.

Mr Grocock also has extensive knowledge of the hotel market in Beijing, having been General Manager of the China World Hotel in Beijing from 1996 to 1999, overseeing 738 guest rooms, eight food and beverage outlets, 18 function rooms, comprehensive recreational facilities and 1,150 staff members.

Managing director and president for Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, Mr. Paul Kirwin said, “Nigel’s appointment forms an integral part of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific’s overall expansion plans for China. His extensive pre-opening and operational experience will be instrumental in maintaining the high standards and quality of service that are the hallmark of Carlson Hotels. We believe Nigel is a major asset to the team and are looking forward to having him on board.”

Commenting on his appointment, as well as the steady growth in Beijing’s hotel industry, Mr. Grocock said, “My goal for both The Regent Beijing and Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing will be to ensure they are distinct from their competitors.”

“I believe it’s important to create innovative and creative processes and systems that have the flexibility to meet the needs of our customers. This will be especially important in the early days of each hotel’s opening when we focus on giving them a personality and establishing them in the marketplace.” added Mr. Grocock.

Prior to joining Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, Mr. Grocock held the position of general manager for Laguna Beach Resort in Thailand. He has also held senior positions with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.

Mr. Grocock holds a Diploma in Hotel & Catering Administration from the Westminster Hotel School, London.

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