Announcement of Regional Vice President of the newly-set up Dusit Middle East, Regional Office in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Formerly the General Manager of Dusit Laguna Resort, Phuket for over four years, Mr. Ruttmann in his new role will be responsible for developing Dusit Group's portfolio in the rapidly growing hospitality industry in the Middle East.

"We are looking into future expansion in the Middle East market, focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and involving our brands - Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Royal Princess Hotels & Resorts, D2 Hotels & Resorts and the Dusit's signature spa, Devarana Spa," Mr Khampi remarked.

Mr. Ruttman was appointed to his new post after successfully implementing the Dusit, Thai Way of Life campaign, and exceeding the stringent Dusit standards in product quality and service during his tenure as General Manager of the Dusit property in Phuket.

Career-wise, he returns to the Middle East after 20 years in Asia, having worked in Kuwait as GM of Kuwait Regency Palace in 1986-1988. "We're quite confident that Dusit and its versatile and creative variety of brands will be able to offer refreshing choices to the owners and developers, besides bringing more than 50 years of experience to the Middle East market, which is currently eager for luxury hotels with the Thai Way of Life standards and cultural milieu," Mr Ruttmann said.

He pointed out that the dynamic environment of Dubai and the GCC in the next five years expects 54,000 additional hotel rooms to be opened in the region.

Replacing Sam-Erik as General Manager of Dusit Laguna Resort, Phuket is Jan Verduyn, a 20-year hotel veteran.