David Grossniklaus joins Belmond chain as senior director of development for India, Middle East and Africa

NEW DELHI: Luxury chain Belmond which runs a global portfolio of luxury travel experiences including hotels, trains, cruises and safaris announced the appointment of David Grossniklaus as senior director of development for India, Middle East and Africa effective 1stDecember 2016.

Based in Dubai, Grossniklaus will focus on growing Belmond’s footprint across the region with new hotel developments and conversion opportunities.

Kenneth Hatton, senior vice president for global development said: “David joins Belmond at an exciting time of growth, as we move forward with the strategic plan to double the footprint of the company by 2020. We are keen to pursue acquisition and management opportunities across the Middle East and Indian Ocean and the experience and expertise that David brings to the role will be valuable assets to this endeavour, and a tremendous spring board for the launch of our first office in the region.”

“I am very pleased to be opening Belmond’s development office, contributing to the expansion of the Belmond brand in the Middle East, Indian Ocean, Africa and India. I believe Belmond is well recognised by both travellers and investors as the leading luxury owner and operator of hotels, trains and cruises and our future developments will continue to create memorable and unique travel experiences for our customers”, Grossniklaus said.

With more than 16 years of hospitality industry experience, Grossniklaus joins Belmond from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he held the position of associate director acquisitions and development for the Middle East and Africa.