Amari has confirmed the upcoming retirement of Mr. Kurt Rufli as President and CEO of the group. Mr. Peter Henley has been appointed as his successor. Mr Henley will take over the role on 6 October 2008, while Mr Rufli’s retirement from the group will be effective 1 November 2008.

Speaking of Mr Rufli’s tenure at the helm of Amari, Mrs. Nijaporn Charanachitta, Chairwoman of Amari said, “Mr. Rufli has been not only the strong leader, but also the engineer who designed and built Amari Hotels & Resorts to what it is today, a professional, profitable hotel chain with a diverse mix of international clientele, run by a professional team of executives. Dr. Chaijudh Karnasuta and Mr. Giorgio Berlingieri the founders of Amari Group, trusted Mr. Rufli with one hotel back in 1972, the Nipa Lodge Hotel Pattaya. He grew it to 17 hotels with 4,000 rooms nation-wide and built a consistent international recognition for the Amari brand”

“So, although I am sad to see Mr. Rufli’s departure from the company, I still recognize him as a member of our Amari family,” Mrs Nijaporn added. “I would like to thank Mr. Rufli for everything he has done for Amari Hotels & Resorts and wish him a happy retirement.”

Mr. Rufli said, “I am happy that my successor, Mr. Peter Henley has been appointed by Khun Nijaporn Charanachitta, Chairwoman of Amari Hotels and Resorts ... It seemed only yesterday I arrived in Pattaya as a guest and made a life-changing decision to stay on as an hotelier. It was the best decision I made in my life. Now, 36 years, 4,000 rooms and lots of grey hair later, I can look back on a fulfilling career.”

Mr. Henley has extensive international industry experience and has served as an executive on several multinational companies including Holiday Inn, Raffles, Panorama Hospitality and Morgan Stanley.
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