Belmond announces strategic regional appointment

Belmond, part of the world's leading luxury group, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, announces the appointment of Iain Langridge as Divisional Managing Director Asia Pacific, as the company continues to position the brand for future growth.

The company is committed to strengthening its presence in the Asia Pacific region.  Langridge, who has more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, took up his role on March 9, 2020, to oversee the operations and strategic development of the brand in this important market, based in Belmond’s regional Headquarters in Bangkok.  Langridge joins Belmond from Louvre Hotels Group (a subsidiary of Jin Jiang Hotels), where he was the COO & Head of Development for Asia Pacific.

Dan Ruff, Global Head of Operations, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Iain as our new Managing Director for Asia Pacific. Iain’s extensive experience leading high performing teams and developing brands in established and emerging markets will be instrumental to our future growth plans as we focus towards Asia.”  

Iain Langridge said: “As we begin to see the green shoots of recovery in the region and people make plans to travel once again, we will be positioned to offer experiences for travellers to rediscover the beautiful world again. We see an emerging trend for holidays that offer sanctuary in nature, especially those with private villas and pools such as on the beautiful island of Koh Samui at Belmond Napasai, as well as a demand for entire takeovers for the ultimate celebration, such as a private charter of the Eastern & Oriental Express train.”

As well as the luxury sleeper train, Belmond operates five hotels and a river cruise within Asia. Iain will manage the regional operations, finance, sales and marketing, and development teams across all six countries.

Iain continued: “Whether people are looking for intimate seclusion or incredible celebrations, we will be ready to welcome travellers to reconnect with family and friends.”

Operating in 24 countries, Belmond owns and manages some of the world’s most iconic hotels and trains including Eastern & Oriental Express, which journeys across South East Asia, and Hotel Cipriani in Venice.  With a strong heritage spanning more than 40 years and 46 properties worldwide, Belmond has established itself as a leading luxury brand offering rare and unrivaled travel experiences and was acquired by the LVMH group in April 2019.