Outrigger Enterprises Group has made two senior appointments in its Asian hotel operations. Pieter van der Hoeven has been appointed general manager of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, which will soft open in Q4 this year. Albert Chan has been appointed general manager of Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket.

Announcing the appointments, Darren Edmonstone, senior vice president-Asia for Outrigger Enterprises Group, said: “I am very pleased and excited by both appointments. Pieter will manage over 300 luxury residences, villas, town houses and apartments in Laguna Phuket. Albert will help Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort grow its reputation for luxurious beachside hospitality on the island. Their professionalism, experience and enthusiasm are highly valued by Outrigger in Asia.”

In his new post, Mr van der Hoeven, formerly the general manager at Outrigger Serenity Terraces, will be responsible for the opening of Outrigger Laguna as well as the sales and marketing of both of Outrigger’s Phuket properties. Between the two resorts, Outrigger will have nearly 400 keys in a wide assortment of room styles. “A large variety of room options in two Phuket locations allows Outrigger to meet the needs not just of holidaymakers, but of niche markets such as extended-stay visitors, second home owners, large families, and retirees seeking a warm climate location with international facilities,” Mr van der Hoeven said.

Outrigger opened its first Phuket property, the 78-unit luxury Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in April of this year. New general manager, Albert Chan, said: “Since opening, Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket has had amazing feedback from guests who love its quiet location, great views, beachfront dining and unique well-being centre. It is my aim to continuously enhance the guest experience and win new friends for Outrigger Serenity Terraces in Phuket.”

Prior to joining Outrigger Serenity Terraces, Mr Chan was with Compass Group as the general manager for China and Mongolia, as well as area operation manager and project manager in Australia. He also spent seven years with the Sheraton Corporation in Australia and China, including properties in Sydney, Ayers Rock, Darwin, and the Sheraton Xian Hotel, China. Mr Chan also spent four years with the Accor Group.

Pieter van der Hoeven joined Outrigger in March 2008. Before joining Outrigger, he was general manager at the Evason Hua Hin Resort and Evason Hideaway at Hua Hin, Thailand, and also the Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara in Vietnam. Prior to that, Mr van der Hoeven spent five years with The Peninsula Bangkok. He has also held management positions in his native Australia with Hyatt in Melbourne and Adelaide, and at the Peninsula Hong Kong.