The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne has announced the appointment of Dr Charles Ray Thomas Jr. as Director of the full-time Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration (EMBA). In his new role, Dr Thomas will oversee all aspects of the EMBA programme. Tailored to both career climbers and switchers in the hospitality sector, Dr Thomas will be tasked to further develop the high quality and the reputation of the programme.Commenting on the appointment, Dr Fabien Fresnel, Dean of Education & Research at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne said: "We are very enthusiastic about the appointment of Charles at the helm of this programme. He is a seasoned professional with a strong operational and academic background on an international scale and brings with him a blend of financial and hospitality expertise. I am confident that our EMBA Programme will continue to flourish under his guidance." With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, Mr Thomas brings significant skills to the role; he joins the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne from Southwest Airlines, one of the most profitable airline operations in the world where he rose to the position of Director of Financial Analysis. He joined Southwest Airlines in 1987 as a Financial Analyst. Prior to this, he worked for five years as a Certified Public Accountant and partner at Thomas, McBride & Associates.Dr Thomas also taught finance, managerial accounting and accounting for decision making in various MBA and EMBA programmes in the US. Dr Thomas comes from the US where he was awarded a Master of Taxation from Baylor University and then a PhD in finance and accounting from The University of Texas at Arlington.