Belmond has the appointed Philippe Cassis to the roles of executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Cassis most recently served as chief executive at Sun Resorts, where he oversaw the successful growth of the company’s portfolio of luxury destination resorts.

“We are delighted to welcome Philippe, an experienced business leader with strong organisational, strategic and business development skills,” said John Scott, president and chief executive and Belmond.

“Philippe has a proven 30-year track record in the luxury travel industry. 

“He will add deep operational strength to our senior management team and will be invaluable to our near-term business execution and future growth.”

Prior to his role at Sun Resorts, Cassis spent 28 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he held various executive positions including senior vice president, operations South America and global initiatives Latin America, a position in which he managed a portfolio of 37 properties across Columbia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. 

Cassis joins Belmond at an important time of growth as it prepares for the launch of Belmond Grand Hibernian, the new sister to Belmond Royal Scotsman and the first luxury touring train in Ireland, and the opening of Belmond’s first London property, Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge, following its complete restoration.

Cassis will be based at Belmond’s head office in London.