Michel Koopman has been appointed director of operations in the Middle East for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, as well as general manager for Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa.

A key role for Anantara in the Middle East, responsibilities include overseeing the running of all of Anantara’s UAE based hotels and resorts – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and Desert Islands Resort & Spa, plus Al Yamm Lodge and Al Sahel Lodge (both set to open on Sir Bani Yas Island in 2012).

Koopman will also spearhead the launch of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa which will be Anantara’s first city hotel in the Middle East and is set to open in 2012.

He joins Anantara Hotels & Resorts from InterContinental Hotels Group where he held the position of regional general manager for several of the group’s properties across China.

Over a four year period, Michel was also responsible for a number of openings including the Holiday Inn Express Zhabei, Crowne Plaza Century Park and the 566-room InterContinental Shanghai Puxi Hotel.

A Dutch/Australian national, Michel’s experience in the hospitality industry spans 27 years at hotels in Europe, Australia and Asia.