Marco Polo Hotels usher in new president

THE Marco Polo Hotels will have a new president next month as it embarks on its expansion plans for the Asia Pacific region within the year.

In a press statement issued by Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, the global hotel chain said Eric Waldburger will take over the company helm while outgoing president Steve Kleinschmidt will assume as vice chairman of asset management based in Canada.

Waldburger counts on 37 years of hotel management experience, having worked in Harbour Plaza Hotels, Ritz Carlton, Peninsula Hotels and Mandarin Oriental.

He is expected to focus on the company’s operational readiness for the expansion.

Kleinschmidt will assume an advisory role as vice chairman with special focus on the hotel chain’s investment portfolio and strategic management of existing and new owned hotels.

The Marco Polo Hotels is a subsidiary of the Wharf Holdings Limited. Waldburger cited Marco Polo Hotel’s standing as one of Asia’s leading hotel brands and looked forward to contributing to the hotel chain’s continued growth.

“The hospitality industry in the Asia Pacific region generally and China specifically, is the most dynamic in the world with outstanding opportunities going forward,” he said.

Kleinschmidt, who joined Marco Polo Hotels as President in October 2007, led the company’s operations and development and contributed to its rapid expansion over the past five years.

“Waldburger’s luxury sector and hotel opening experience will be essential as the company plans for and opens outstanding new properties in key regional locations,” Kleinschmidt said.

The Marco Polo Hotels operates 13 owned or managed luxury properties in Asia, including Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu and Marco Polo Plaza in Davao.