The Ascott Limited has announced several key appointments in its
business development strategy and operations, aimed at bolstering its
global growth and operational excellence, as it targets more than S$500
million (US$368 million) in fee revenue by 2028.
These appointments bring in experienced professionals who will lead
various strategic functions across Ascott's portfolio. The new
leadership roles span across different regions and specialties, ensuring
comprehensive oversight and development within the organisation.
Venessa Koo
Vice President, Business Development
Venessa Koo has been appointed as Vice President of Business
Development at The Ascott Limited. In this role, she will shape Ascott’s
business development strategies to expand its portfolio across key
markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Koo brings over two decades of industry experience in hospitality
operations and consultancy. Her most recent position was as Chief
Operating Officer at Silks Hotel Group (formerly Regent Hotels &
Resorts), where she led strategic initiatives that fostered quality
growth and delivered exceptional value for hotel owners, operators, and
shareholders. She also previously managed Accor Group’s development in
11 Asian markets.
Teo Junrong
Vice President, Business Development
Teo Junrong will focus on end-to-end business development
opportunities for The Ascott Limited, overseeing markets in Singapore,
Malaysia, and Indonesia. Teo has extensive experience in international
capital markets and cross-border transactions.
His previous role was Director of Capital Markets and Advisory Asia
at Colliers Hotels & Leisure Asia, where he led cross-border
hospitality transactions in developed and emerging markets. Teo has also
served as Vice President of Investment & Asset Management at
CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) and held senior positions at CBRE APAC
Hotels and CBRE EMEA Hotels.
Thomas Lamson
Vice President, Business Development and Product & Technical Services, EMEA
Thomas Lamson is tasked with structuring Ascott’s development
strategy in the EMEA region and leading the technical development of
projects, including asset enhancement initiatives.
Before joining Ascott, Lamson was Chief Development, Design &
Real Estate Officer at Adagio (Accor and Pierre & Vacances Center
Parcs Group), where he also managed asset management functions. He
previously worked as Director of Capital Market at JLL Hotels &
Hospitality, covering France, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Joseph Wong
Managing Director, China
Joseph Wong has been named Managing Director for China and will also
be a member of the Ascott Leadership Council. He will oversee Ascott’s
extensive portfolio in China, focusing on strengthening in-market
business and driving growth.
Wong will manage the commercial performance of Ascott’s properties in
China, which includes over 48,000 units across more than 200
properties. His role includes leading business strategies to explore new
development opportunities for continued expansion. Wong has over 20
years of hospitality experience and previously worked as Vice President,
Franchise Performance at Holiday Inn Express, Greater China, for IHG
Hotels & Resorts.
Steven Chan
Vice President, Global Franchise Services and Regional General Manager, Indochina
Steven Chan will oversee Ascott’s global franchise strategy and the
development of its franchise operating platform, aiming for accelerated
growth. In addition, he will manage the performance of properties in
Indochina, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Chan has more than two decades of experience in the hospitality
industry, with expertise in finance, revenue management, sales and
marketing, human resources, and risk management. His previous role was
Chief Operating Officer of Travelodge Asia, where he established the
operating platform to support portfolio growth across Asia.
Sophie Mougel
Vice President, Strategy and Regional General Manager, the Philippines and Malaysia
Sophie Mougel will lead the implementation of Ascott’s global
strategic plans and oversee property performance in the Philippines and
Malaysia. She will support in-country leadership teams to drive growth
and operational excellence. Mougel will also manage the Financial
Planning and Analysis function, including asset management for Southeast
Asia.
Previously, she was Director of Operations for Southeast Asia &
Korea with IHG Hotels & Resorts, managing a portfolio of 27
properties across Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Mougel has
also worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and as a hotel consultant
at Cushman & Wakefield and HVS in Australia.