Dusit International, Bangkok, has named Suphajee Suthumpun group chief executive officer and the first outside the founding family to succeed Chanin Donavanik, who becomes vice chairman and chairman of the executive committee.
The third CEO in the company’s 67-year history, Suthumpun was previously CEO of Thaicom Plc., Thailand’s first satellite operator and a subsidiary of Shin Corp., the biggest telecommunications conglomerate in Thailand. She has stated that she has set a long-term vision emphasizing human capital development, technological advancement and strategic management of the company.
In addition to further developing the brand’s portfolio of international hotels and resorts, Suthumpun will support the growth of Dusit’s business units, namely in the property development and hospitality education sectors. Dusit International owns and operates the Dusit Thani College, a private educational institution offering Culinary and Hospitality Management programs in partnership with the École Hôtelière de Lausanne; the Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, a joint venture partnership with the renowned Paris-based institute; and the recently launched Dusit Thani Hotel School, Thailand’s first “paperless” hospitality school based on ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals.
“It is an exciting time to join Dusit International, and I am honored to be entrusted with the leadership of such a significant organization in Thailand’s tourism history,” Suthumpun said. “I am confident that with the support of the team, we can continue to build on the company’s founding legacy of bringing gracious Thai hospitality to the world.”
Dusit International currently has 26 properties in operation and another 40 projects confirmed in the development pipeline in locations such as Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, the group launched the luxury Dusit Thani Guam Resort, the tallest hotel and newest build since 1999 on the Micronesian island, and this year plans to open hotels in Khao Yai, Thailand, Shanghai and a second Dubai property.