Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Andrew Jessop to the role of Vice President -Development (Worldwide) and created its first development post for North America as it gears up for additional expansion opportunities, following the recent investment in The Langham, Chicago.

Industry veteran, Mr. Jessop has over 28 years of hospitality experience working for luxury hotel groups in Thailand, Australia and China. The former Regional Vice President – Asia has been promoted to spearhead the group’s drive to secure new properties globally.

As Vice President Development (Worldwide), Mr. Jessop will lead the international development teams in North America, China and Asia & Middle East regions.

Meanwhile, Helmut Knipp takes up the newly-created role of Senior Vice President Development (North America), focusing on developing investment opportunities and management contracts in the group’s strategic markets.

His 30 years of senior experience across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific includes pre-opening project management, acquisition, redevelopment, multi-property and international operations and business development management.

Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langham Hospitality Group said: “We are at a critical junction of our expansion and undergoing rapid change as we introduce our brands onto the world stage. The introduction of dedicated resource to support North America and the restructuring of the global development team is designed to significantly grow Langham Hospitality Group’s portfolio of properties in the next few years.”