Preparing to launch as the first hotel to open under the new ‘Sofitel Legend' ensign later this year, the iconic Sofitel Metropole Hanoi hotel has announced several new key appointments.

The historic Sofitel Metropole Hanoi warmly welcomes new General Manager, Mr. Kai Speth. He will start his new role at Metropole Hanoi effective September 2008.

A veteran with experience in Europe, United States and Asia, he spent 27 years in the luxury restaurants and hotels from Ski/Beach Resort environments to Airports and larger City/Convention Hotels. His vast experience in the hospitality industry has seen him in senior roles within twelve years with Hyatt International.

Before his tenure as the general manager of Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, he was the General Manager of 523-room Hyatt Regency Incheon, South Korea. Mr. Speth holds hotel business and administrator degree from the prestigious Hotel Management School in Heidelberg, Germany.

In September 2008, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi appointed Mr. Andrew Hartley as Director of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Hartley brings with him more than 14 years of experience in many prestigious hotels such as The Ritz, London and The Rocco Forte Collection – The Balmoral, Edinburgh to the centenary Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. He enjoyed previous outstanding success, as Director of Sales and Marketing at Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces. Prior to joining the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, he worked as Director of Sales and Marketing at Six Senses Resorts & Spas - Zighy Bay, Oman.

Ms. Karine Orilieri has been named Director of Rooms of the 363-room Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. A graduate of the French Hotel School in Vannes, Ms. Orilieri has 12 years of experience within ACCOR group and Sofitel hotels such as Hotel Pullman Paris La Defense, Sofitel Bercy... Along with 5 years in Italy and last 7 years in Paris, it is the first time she has worked in Asia and Vietnam in particular. At Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, she will be responsible for the entire leading of the Front Office, Spa and Housekeeping operation, ensuring that the high standards are achieved and exceeded.

Sofitel Legends will regroup legendary luxury properties, combining heritage and modernity. These prestigious hotels, already the treasures of the Sofitel network, are full of local history. Each of them is among the best in the destination, where guests will be indulged in luxury-class service such as personal Butler Services and the best chefs, ptissiers and sommeliers in the world.

Each Sofitel Legend will be resplendent in atmosphere and will be distinguished by rich dcor and surroundings, fine dining restaurants, legendary bars, iconic spas and exceptional suites.

Approximately seven Sofitel hotels – including the Metrolple in Hanoi, Vietnam - will become Sofitel Legend properties over the next two years: the Grand in Amsterdam, Netherlands; the Palais Jama in Fes, Morocco; the Winter Palace in Luxor, Egypt; the Old Cataract in Aswan, Egypt; the Santa Clara in Cartagena, Colombia; and the Hua Hin resort in Thailand.