One of Bangkok’s leading hotels has hired a new sales and marketing director to assist in raising the bar as the Bangkok hotel market emerges from recent political unrest.
Last week, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit gave one of its most important jobs to Chanelle Garvey, who spent the previous seven years directing the sales and marketing efforts at the Sofitel Brisbane Central and then the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
“Chanelle has managed very large teams and has a multi-segment background including running substantial MICE-related commercial operations,” said William Haandrikman, general manager of the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. “In this ultra-competitive market, it’s a major advantage to have experienced leaders and those who are capable in several commercial disciplines. I am confident Chanelle will contribute quickly to our growth-oriented team.”
Since breaking into the hospitality industry in 1991, Garvey has also worked for the Sheraton, Stamford and Radisson hotel chains.
At the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, she managed more than 40 staff in six departments and developed and implemented strategies to improve performance. Garvey also successfully relaunched the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Spiral, following a multi-million-dollar renovation.
Opened in April 2012, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has made a name for itself in the luxury hotel market by marrying French elegance with Thai hospitality and design.
Inspired by the art deco period, the 345-room, limestone-steel-and-glass structure extends 32 stories above Sukhumvit Road and is capped by L’Appart, a Parisian-styled eatery and lounge designed to look and feel like a lavish penthouse apartment.
A rice motif — in honor of the grain that has shaped Thailand’s landscape and culture — runs throughout the property, site of the country’s only Le SPA with L’Occitane.
Last month, the hotel was voted ‘Best New Business Hotel’ by readers of Business Traveller and one of the top 25 hotels in Southeast Asia by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
