Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has appointed hospitality professional Damian Ball as regional general manager to oversee soon-to-be launched OZO Hotels in Sri Lanka, which includes OZO Colombo, OZO Kandy and OZO Galle.

As a tourism and hospitality graduate from TAFE NSW, Ball has an extensive background in the hospitality industry spanning over 21 years in the Asia-Pacific region.

Having started his career working in front office, he has since held various management positions at different international hotels in his home country of Australia and beyond in the Philippines, the Maldives as well as in Qatar.

His respected career credentials not only include his professional qualifications, but his passion to drive and develop new projects.

Ball has headed renowned hotel brands including Amari, where he implemented best management practices during the pre-opening phase of the group’s first hotel outside of Thailand; Amari Doha, Qatar.

Commenting on his role, Ball said: “I am looking forward to establishing OZO in Sri Lanka as a hotel of choice for guests, as well as a preferred employer for our team members.

“In all aspects, OZO is going to be different from the traditional hotel models - from its location to its concept based on simplicity, comfort, accessibility and innovative technology. 

“Our focus at OZO is getting the important things right, providing guests with a good night’s sleep on a great bed, a nutritious breakfast, and great connectivity to the world as well as the locale.

“It’s all about providing modern comforts in a simple, uncomplicated and efficient manner.”

In his role, Ball will be responsible for the operations of three hotel properties and ensure that the developing hotels fully deliver on customer and business expectations.

His expertise and range of operational experience will further support the OZO brand positioning.

Under the ownership of Sino Lanka Hotels Holdings, the first OZO hotel in Sri Lanka will be launched in the first quarter of 2014, with OZO Colombo on Marine Drive comprising 158 guests rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a trendy rooftop bar and lounge by the open-air swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium as well as meeting rooms and a ballroom.

Two further management agreements have been signed with Sino Lanka Hotels Holdings for the development of properties in key Sri Lankan cities; Kandy and Galle.

Under his guidance and supervision, the Kandy project will soft open later this year, while the Galle property is scheduled to be launched in 2016.