Shangri-La exec joins PPHG as CEO after 20 years

Lothar Nessmann (pictured), former COO of Shangri-La Group's Hotel Jen, has joined Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) as CEO this month.Nessmann joins PPHG following a 20-year career with the Shangri-La Group, where he held senior management positions ranging from general manager to vice president of operations, and as chief operating officer where he was instrumental in the development and positioning of Shangri-La’s Hotel Jen brand.He has close to 30 years luxury hospitality experience gained from working in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the Middle East and Europe.“Having worked closely with the Shangri-La Group’s family for a considerable number of years, Lothar also has an acute understanding of the Asian culture,” said Gwee Lian Kheng, group chief executive of Pan Pacific Hotels Group.Nessmann joins PPHG in the year that will see the opening of its sixth property in China – the 220-room, flagship Pan Pacific Beijing.Hotel Jen stated they "wish him well in his new role", but has not revealed Nessmann's replacement.Shangri-La has also appointed two new executive vice presidents, including Starwood's Charlie Dang who oversees some of Shangri-La’s mainland China hotels to provide guidance in the sales and operation disciplines, and overall strategy planning.Cetin Sekercioglu, who joined the group in 1994, was promoted to the executive vice president role.Meanwhile, Shangri La's ex-CMO Steven Taylor, has recently joined property developer Emaar as CMO in Dubai.