Tag: centara group

  • Centara listed in Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) 2018 for Sustainability Performance Excellence

    Centara listed in Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) 2018 for Sustainability Performance Excellence

    Centara Hotels & Resorts (CENTEL), Thailand’s leading hotel operator, was categorised a “Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI)”, an annual recognition for listed companies that operate with responsibility for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects. The THSI list aims to recognise and motivate companies for their efforts towards sustainability, while offering investors an alternative investment in high-performance ESG stocks.

    Centara Hotels & Resorts aims to balance its operations to attain financial goals and practice good governance, while creating positive social impact, reducing its environmental footprint, and encouraging innovation to sustain the organisation’s competitiveness. The company has formally developed environmental, social, and innovation initiatives since 2008, including energy, water, waste and safety management. Centara also engages management, staff, suppliers, guests and communities, for both the long-term growth of its business and vitality of the destinations where it operates. One testament to this commitment is that 15 of Centara’s properties have already achieved Gold and Silver Certifications by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking and impact assessment body for sustainable travel and tourism.

    “Centara intends to operate ethically and sustainably across our entire portfolio. We are committed to sustainable practices throughout our hotel operations, whilst delivering an exceptional level of Thai hospitality for our guests,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer. “Companies that respond effectively to the challenges of sustainability can gain a competitive advantage and increase share value. We strive to develop sustainable hospitality strategies and encourage sustainability wherever we operate.”

    Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) was first created in 2015 to recognise companies that adopt ESG principles into responsible and sustainable business management to create a positive impact on the Kingdom. This year, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) selected Centara as one of 79 listed companies that incorporate a high level of ESG practices to support sustainability. This effort is in line with SET’s vision “To Make the Capital Market Work for Everyone”, supporting a vision of capitalism that benefits all stakeholders.

  • Centara appoints Deputy CEO to lead next phase of growth

    Centara appoints Deputy CEO to lead next phase of growth

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announced the appointment of Markland Blaiklock as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Blaiklock will be responsible for steering the continued expansion of Centara, which aims to double both its revenues and number of properties over the next five years.

    Blaiklock returns to Centara in an expanded capacity having previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer in 2015. He has held senior executive positions with Le Meridien, Shangri-La, Raffles and Accor hotel groups, in Asia and North America. He is a Canadian national educated in England and France.

    Centara created the new Deputy CEO position and brought in the experienced executive to focus on the company’s ambitious growth plans over the next five years and beyond. Blaiklock will also oversee operations, human resources, sales, marketing, business development and legal services.

    Centara has been expanding outside its base in Thailand, where it operates 32 properties. The company currently has 67 properties open or under development across 13 countries in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, China, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The next phase of growth will see Centara become an even more significant regional brand with properties opening in China, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Qatar and the UAE.

    Centara manages a diverse brand portfolio catering to the needs of key business and leisure travel segments. Its properties range from large, upscale city hotels and convention centres, to elite island resorts and economy products. The company recently launched a new affordable hotel concept, COSI, designed for the new generation of connected lifestyle travellers. In addition to expanding COSI, Centara aims to develop new businesses where it can leverage its competitive strengths of Thai hospitality, food and spa expertise, and synergy with the Central Group.

    Blaiklock’s operational experience will also be put to work leading improvement of Centara’s technical platforms and systems, ensuring the company’s core infrastructure supports its vision for global expansion.

    “I’m delighted to be back with Centara during this dynamic period of growth for the company,” said Markland Blaiklock. “The plans are ambitious and exciting. I look forward to contributing my experience, energy, and leadership to Centara’s capable team. Together we can achieve great progress.”

    Centara’s Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirativat added, “We are delighted to have Markland back with Centara. This new position is an important component in our growth plans and his proven leadership qualities will help us accomplish our goals.”