Dusit International announces the appointment of Mr Giovanni Angelini as Vice-Chairman of Dusit Overseas, Hong Kong.

Mr Angelini's role will focus on Dusit's international expansion plan and strategy as well as spearheading the company's development into the Greater China region, following Dusit's new Development Office opening in Hong Kong.

"This new exciting appointment stems from Dusit's fast track expansion plan into the global arena. With the future development of Dusit hotels and resorts in key gateway cities in Europe, India, China, Middle East, and other world's favourite destinations, we expect Giovanni's role to be valuable for our rapid and sustained growth as we seek not only to grow a collection of Dusit hotels and resorts, but also to introduce the gracious Thai hospitality to create a truly unique experience to the travellers from across the globe. Giovanni has been a highly regarded leader within the global hospitality industry. His wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in the industry will help to enhance our growth-development strategies and to position Dusit as one of the finest hotel groups in the world," said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International.

An industry veteran, Mr Giovanni Angelini's experiences spanned three continents particularly in Asia-Pacific. He began his career in his native country, Italy before moving on to work in Switzerland, Bermuda, Grand Cayman Island, Canada, and the USA.

For over 14 years, he was with the Seattle-based Westin Hotels and Resorts, serving in various positions and countries, the last being Senior Vice-President supervising the operating hotels and the development activities of the group in the Asia-Pacific region. He was also with the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts for over 16 years, first as Vice President Operations and as the company's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director as well as a member of the Board of Directors.

In his career, Mr Angelini has received many lifetime achievement awards including the Corporate Hotelier of the World Award in 2006, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management by the Johnson & Wales University in the USA and a Knighthood from the Italian government.