Belmond confirms divisional...

Recently restructured, the company now encompasses two new regional divisions

Luxury hospitality and leisure company Belmond has confirmed two new leadership appointments following the company’s recent restructure in which two new divisions were created: Southern Europe and Northern Europe, Africa and Asia.

Industry veteran Christian Boyens (pictured left) is set to join the company as vice president and divisional leader of Southern Europe, while Iain Langridge (pictured right) has been promoted to vice president and divisional leader of Northern Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Relocating to Milan, Boyens commenced his role on 23 January and is now overseeing the operations and management of the Southern Europe division, covering Italy, Spain and Portugal. The division comprises properties such as Splendido, A Belmond Hotel in Portofino; Caruso, A Belmond Hotel in Ravello; Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice; Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel in Madeira; and La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel in Mallorca.

Boyens has more than 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality, having served as head of operations, urban hotels at LVMH Hotel Management/Cheval Blanc, where he oversaw the opening of Cheval Blanc Paris. He was also responsible for the closure, renovation and repositioning of The Ritz Paris during his eight-year role as the hotel’s general manager, and he spent 11 years in the USA at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica.

Meanwhile, Langridge joined Belmond in 2020 as divisional managing director for Asia Pacific. He has since led the company’s Asian hotels through the pandemic, developing and implementing plans that have “elevated guest experience and driven property brand desirability in the region”.

In the past three years, Langridge has taken on additional responsibilities at a global level, playing an active role in multiple steering committees that have led to the roll out of strategic initiatives across the company.

In his new role, Langridge will be responsible for the operations and management of the newly created Northern Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific division, which spans urban hotels The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel in London and Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel in Cape Town; the Michelin-starred Le Manor aux Quat' Saisons; three Safari lodges in Botswana; and resorts in global leisure destinations such as Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui and Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel, Bali.

The leadership appointments follow the news that Belmond has made "significant headway" on its 10-year "asset rejuvenation" strategy across its portfolio. The brand also recently shared a renewed brand focus on experiences to "deepen guests’ connection" to destinations.

Belmond chief executive Roeland Vos said: "Both Christian and lain are exceptional leaders with proven track records to achieve outstanding performance and strong passion to develop and grow the next generation of hospitality talent. We are thrilled to have them both the lead these newly created divisions as we continue to strengthen our portfolio through elevating brand desirability and operational excellence."