Raffles appoints a new GM for its future Jakarta property

PHNOM PENH/JAKARTA - Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced two key General Manager appointments in Asia.  Richard Schestak moves from Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, to oversee the opening of Raffles Jakarta, from 1 August 2013.  Schestak’s position as General Manager in Phnom Penh will be filled by Pieter van der Hoeven, with immediate effect. 
Pieter van der Hoeven joins Raffles in Phnom Penh from Outrigger Asia Pacific, where he was Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific. Before that he was an Area General Manager with Six Senses Resorts and Spas overseeing Evason and Six Senses Spas, Hua Hin, Evason Hideaway & Earth Spa by Six Senses and Evason Hideaway, Vietnam. Pieter has also held progressive positions with the Peninsula group of hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong as well as Hyatt Hotels in Australia.
Peter French, President, Raffles Hotels & Resorts said: “Pieter has 23 years of Asia Pacific experience in Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam.  His experience, working with great luxury brands such as Outrigger, Six Senses, Peninsula and Hyatt, will be invaluable to Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh in maintaining our position as one of the most highly rated hotels in Cambodia.”
Pieter takes on the mantle from Richard Schestak who, after three very successful years in Phnom Penh, moves on to take up the role of General Manager of Raffles Jakarta, scheduled to be unveiled in 2014.
Over the past 21 years, Austrian national Richard has gained a wealth of international experience across the globe. Before becoming General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh, he held key roles including Director of Operations for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, as well as Regional Director of Food & Beverage for the Middle East and Director of Food & Beverage, Fairmont Dubai.  With an extensive background in operations, particularly in Food & Beverage, he has also held senior positions in Michelin-starred restaurants, various award-winning spa and golf resorts in Europe and luxury cruise lines.
 Peter French, President, Raffles Hotels and Resorts said:  “We are really pleased to have Richard Schestak overseeing the opening of Raffles Jakarta. With his many years of experience, both with Raffles Hotels & Resorts and a range of leading companies, I know Richard will be able draw on this wealth of expertise to ensure the successful opening of Raffles Jakarta and its induction into the Raffles family, to offer an exciting new oasis for travellers to Indonesia.”
As General Manager, Richard Schestak will oversee the opening of the hotel in the heart of Jakarta’s central business district, set in Ciputra World Jakarta, a prestigious new development with luxury boutiques, office buildings and an art museum. Raffles Jakarta will feature 173 exquisitely-designed rooms and suites, as well as an exciting array of restaurants and bars, and a large spa.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews