As part of Banyan Tree’s efforts to develop talents from within the group, two veteran Area General Managers have been re-designated to head and manage two of the group’s properties, while a third has rejoined the group.

Mr. Pancho Llamas, former Area General Manager for Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan in Indonesia and Vice President of Angsana Hotels, has moved to Thailand to take on the role of Area General Manager of Banyan Tree Phuket, Allamanda Laguna Phuket and Laguna Phuket Golf Club. At the same time, Mr. Francois Huet, the Area General Manager for Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru and Angsana Maldives Ihuru since 2002, has moved to Bintan as the Area General Manager of Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Bintan. Taking his place is Mr. Bodo Klingenberg, the former Resident Manger of Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru in 2001, who has rejoined the group as Area General Manager - North Male Atoll (Maldives) in charge of Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru and Angsana Maldives Ihuru.

Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Group said, “These appointments come at a vital point in Banyan Tree’s history, when we are venturing out of Asia and opening up critical new markets. I am delighted to have Pancho, Francois and Bodo at the helm of our three established properties in Phuket, Bintan and Maldives, where they will be able to train and manage the resources we need to continue our expansion overseas in addition to strengthening our properties here in Asia.”

It is an honour to be associated with Banyan Tree’s flagship property,” said Mr. Pancho Llamas. “Banyan Tree Phuket is a stunning property, and we look forward to unveiling our new luxury villas in early 2006, which will be a showcase of our brand’s commitment to being a Sanctuary for the Senses.”

Currently also holding the title of Vice President for Banyan Tree’s sister brand Angsana Hotels, Mr. Llamas is an experienced veteran in the tourism and hospitality industry with over 25 years of international postings. Mr. Llamas was awarded with The Civil Merit by the Spanish King in 1998 and has also served in the Honorary Consul for the Spanish Kingdom in Bali from 1996 to 1998.

Mr. Francois Huet said, “To grow a career at Banyan Tree is a dynamic and exciting challenge. At Banyan Tree, we all have a stake in the resort, the environment, and the community that supports our properties. I am pleased to bring my experience to the task of further developing Banyan Tree and Angsana Bintan as choice holiday and adventure destinations for the region.”

Prior to joining Banyan Tree in 2002, Mr. Francois Huet was the General Manager of Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, and also spent 12 years of his career with the Inter-Continental Hotels and Resorts group. He also recently participated in a killer whale internship in the San Juan islands to gain exposure and understanding of environmental issues and marine life.

Having been in the UK since 2002, Mr. Bodo Klingenberg is pleased and keen to be back in the sunny Maldives with the Banyan Tree Group. “The Maldives properties are going from strength to strength, and we have an exciting opportunity of growing the Banyan Tree Group’s reputation for providing an extraordinary experience in the Indian Ocean.”

With stints as Hotel Manager of Banyan Tree Phuket and General Manager of the Angsana City Club in Taichung, Taiwan, Mr. Klingenberg is well versed in the art of hotel management. He previously held the position of General Manager with Babington House and The Hempel in London. His most recent venture was as partner and proprietor of quality food purveyor Barrique’s first UK store.
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