Mandarin Oriental International Limited today announced that Edouard Ettedgui is to step down as Group Chief Executive on 31st March 2016. He will be succeeded by James Riley.

James Riley is currently the group finance director of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited. He joined the Jardine Matheson Group in 1993 from Kleinwort Benson, and has held a number of senior finance and commercial roles within the group prior to taking his current position in 2005. He has served on the board of Mandarin Oriental’s management company for the past ten years and has an extensive knowledge of the Group’s operations.

Commenting on the change Chairman of Mandarin Oriental, Ben Keswick, said, “Edouard has led Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group since 1998, and has been instrumental in the Group becoming recognized by many as the best global luxury hotel group. It is an outstanding achievement, for which we are extremely grateful. I am very pleased that we will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience as he will remain as a non-executive Director.”

“I would also like to wish James every success in continuing Edouard’s fine work of building the Group’s portfolio and reputation,” he added.