Asian hospitality group Dusit International has welcomed a new group chief executive officer, the third in the company’s storied 67-year history and the first to be named from outside of the founding family.

Suphajee Suthumpun, previously the chief of Thaicom, succeeds Chanin Donavanik, who will take up the roles of vice chairman and chairman of the executive committee.

Suthumpun will build on the momentum created by Donavanik while further strengthening the foundations for the company’s continued growth.

She has set a long-term vision emphasizing human capital development, technological advancement and strategic management of the company. 

In addition to further developing the brand’s portfolio of international hotels and resorts, Suthumpun will also support the growth of Dusit’s additional business units, namely in the property development and hospitality education sectors.

“It is an exciting time to join Dusit International, and I am honoured to be entrusted with the leadership of such a significant organisation in Thailand’s tourism history,” said Suthumpun.

“I am confident that with the support of the team, we can continue to build on the company’s founding legacy of bringing gracious Thai hospitality to the world.”

Dusit International currently has 26 properties in operation, with over 40 projects confirmed in the development pipeline in locations such as Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Most recently, the group launched the luxury Dusit Thani Guam Resort, the tallest hotel and newest build since 1999 on the Micronesian island, and plans to open hotels in Khao Yai, Thailand; Shanghai, China and a second Dubai, UAE property in 2016.