Belmond Ltd., a global collection of 46 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences, has announced the appointment of Philippe Cassis as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Cassis most recently served as Chief Executive Officer at Sun Resorts Ltd., where he oversaw the growth of the company’s portfolio of luxury destination resorts.
“We are delighted to welcome Philippe, an experienced business leader with strong organizational, strategic and business development skills,” said John M. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Philippe has a proven 30-year track record in the luxury travel industry. He will add deep operational strength to our senior management team and will be invaluable to our near-term business execution and future growth.”
Prior to his role at Sun Resorts Ltd., Cassis spent 28 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he held various executive positions including Senior Vice President, Operations South America and Global Initiatives Latin America, a position in which he managed a portfolio of 37 properties across Columbia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Prior to that role, as Senior Vice President, Regional Director Spain and Portugal, Cassis oversaw and helped grow an important region with 16 properties, including six openings and six hotels under development. As Senior Vice President, Regional Director Middle East and Africa, Cassis oversaw 52 hotels in 26 countries.
Cassis joins Belmond at an important time of growth as it prepares for the launch of Belmond Grand Hibernian, the new sister to Belmond Royal Scotsman and the first luxury touring train in Ireland, and the opening of Belmond’s first London property, Belmond Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge, following its complete restoration and reconceptualization. Cassis will be based at Belmond’s head office in London.
