Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Christoph Mares as Operations Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa effective 1 May 2009, following the resignation of Liam Lambert from that position.

Christoph Mares re-joins Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group from his current position of Chief Operating Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, based in Dubai. Prior to leaving Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2008, Mr. Mares had been General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and was instrumental in positioning the property as one of London’s top-performing luxury hotels. Mr. Mares joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2000, and held senior management positions within the Group’s portfolio of hotels in London, Paris and Munich. Mr Mares has over 20 years experience in luxury hotel management across the globe.

In his new capacity as Operations Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Mares will manage the Group’s current and future portfolio across the region. He will also be responsible for overseeing Mandarin Oriental’s global food and beverage operations, with David Nicholls, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage for the Group, reporting to him. Mr. Mares will report directly to Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank Liam Lambert for his significant contribution to the development of Mandarin Oriental during his 18 years with the Group. We all wish him well as he begins a new chapter of his career. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome back Christoph Mares to the Group. He will provide excellent direction for our future growth in this region and our colleagues look forward to working with Christoph in his new role.” said Mr. Ettedgui.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 24 countries, with 16 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa.