Ms Chua will be appointed Ascott's Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 August, 2007. 

Mr Cameron Ong, Ascott's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, has resigned to pursue his personal interests.  

Ms Chua is a non-executive director of The Ascott Group and a member of its Executive Committee since January 2007. She was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Raffles Holdings Limited from April 2003 to January 2007. 

After graduating from the School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971, Ms Chua built an outstanding career in the tourism and hospitality industry over the past 30 years. She has been recognised with numerous awards from Singapore and abroad for her leadership and contributions in the fields of hospitality and tourism. 

Mr Lim Chin Beng, Ascott's Chairman said: "We would like to thank Cameron for his contributions to the Group. He has served the company for more than 12 years, and has played a key role in leading the Group's expansion internationally. The Board and I wish Cameron all the best in his future endeavours, and we welcome Jennie as Chief Executive Officer of The Ascott Group."

Mr Liew Mun Leong, Ascott's Deputy Chairman, and President and CEO of its parent company CapitaLand Group said: "The serviced residence sector is now a significant component of the global hospitality industry, and has the best potential to capitalise on the increase in international travel traffic. The Ascott Group, with its three brands -Ascott, Somerset and Citadines, is well positioned to take the quantum leap to grow from its current portfolio in 49 cities and over 20 countries. With Jennie's solid track record and experience in the international hospitality industry, she will be able to lead Ascott to new heights by strengthening the management bench strength in Asia, Australia, Europe and the new markets in oil rich countries."

The Ascott Group is headquartered in Singapore. It pioneered Asia Pacific's first branded luxury serviced residence in 1984. It also established the world's first pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust in 2006. Today, the Group boasts a 23-year industry track record and serviced residence brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.