Far East Hospitality will see a major leadership change at the end of the year, with managing director Arthur Kiong, previously the CEO, set to retire on 31 December 2025.
Kiong, who has been with the group for almost 14 years, will step back from his role but stay on as consultant from 1 January to 30 April 2026 to support the handover.
Mark Rohner, has been named as Far East Hospitality’s successor.
Taking over the reins is deputy managing director Mark Rohner. He joined the company as COO in July 2024 before being redesignated Deputy Managing Director last month. With more than 25 years of industry experience spanning hotel operations, asset management and real estate investment, Rohner has also been closely involved in the group’s recent expansion in Japan.
Reflecting on his time at the company, Kiong said, “After being in the hospitality industry for over three decades, I am deeply grateful to have contributed to the various hotel companies where I have been a part of, as well as the hospitality industry in Singapore. My tenure at Far East Hospitality has been especially meaningful and together with the dedicated team, we’ve redefined our brands, expanded into new markets such as Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, and championed sustainability along with local talent development.”
When Kiong shared the news on LinkedIn, the response from across the industry was swift, with colleagues and peers praising his leadership and his impact on Singapore’s hospitality scene.
Looking ahead, Rohner said, “I am honoured to succeed Arthur at Far East Hospitality and deeply grateful for the trust placed in me. Arthur has established a strong foundation in service excellence and branding, and I look forward to building on these strengths. As we enter the next chapter, our focus will be on further strengthening our operating capabilities and driving innovation, while expanding our presence beyond Singapore to transform Far East Hospitality from a homegrown hotel company into a leading regional hospitality player.”
Today, Far East Hospitality manages more than 17,000 rooms across over 100 hotels and serviced residences in 10 countries.