Belmond has appointed Maria Kuhn as corporate director of communications.

Kuhn will be responsible for developing the global communications strategy, guiding and supervising the global PR team, and building Belmond’s brand reputation worldwide.

She will oversee targeted PR campaigns for the upcoming launches of Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland’s first luxury touring train; and Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge, the company’s first London hotel.

Kuhn joins Belmond from Kempinski, where she spent three years as vice president of public relations following senior PR positions at luxury hotel groups Shangri-La and Four Seasons in Europe and Asia.

Originally from Germany, she holds a degree in hotel management and began her hospitality career in operations in Germany and California before moving into communications.

Kuhn brings to Belmond a wealth of market expertise of spearheading worldwide communications strategies, developing innovative launch campaigns and repositioning products in the regional and global media.

“We are delighted to welcome Maria, a leading international PR expert who has worked with renowned hospitality groups across Asia, the Americas and Europe,” said Ralph Aruzza, chief sales and marketing officer.

“Maria’s specialised expertise will help us build our global brand presence and further our communications strategy across all markets.”