Christopher E. StaffordThe luxury boutique brand 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts is passionately curating a new edition of its highly successful 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai. 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, comprising 34 luxurious suites and 179 Residences on Sukhumvit Soi 39 is scheduled to open late 2016. A third property comprising 15 luxury villas on the north peninsula of Phuket’s Kata Beach is schedule to open late 2018. A talented group of executive team members have been appointed. Mr Christopher E. Stafford, Chief Operating Officer With more than 34 years’ experience in hospitality, travel and event management, Swedish national Chris Stafford is a seasoned industry professional. He now takes the helm as Chief Operating Officer, creating and directing the newly launched 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts brand. Most recently Chris was the Vice President of Hotel Operations for South East Asia for SilverNeedle Hospitality. Previously he headed the Anantara Resort Group from 2000-2007 in Thailand and the Maldives, opening 6 properties for the group. He is an avid polo player (both horse and elephant) and was instrumental in the creation of the famous Anantara Elephant Polo event, now in its 14th year. Chris has also worked in senior management roles for Regent International Hotels, Westin Hotels and Bali Hai Hotels Tahiti.