Centara appoints Deputy CEO to lead next phase of growth
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced the appointment of Markland Blaiklock as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect.
He will be responsible for steering Centara’s continued expansion as it aims to double both its revenue and number of properties over the next five years.
Blaiklock returns to Centara in an expanded capacity having previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer in 2015. A Canadian national educated in England and France, he has held senior executive positions with the Le Meridien, Shangri-La, Raffles and Accor hotel groups in Asia and North America.
Centara created the new Deputy CEO position and brought in the experienced executive to focus on the company’s ambitious growth plans over the next five years and beyond. Blaiklock will also oversee operations, human resources, sales, marketing, business development and legal services.
Centara has been expanding outside its base in Thailand, where it operates 32 properties. The company currently has 67 properties operational or under development across 13 countries in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, China, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The next phase of growth will see Centara opening properties in China, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Qatar and the UAE.
The group manages a diverse brand portfolio catering to the needs of key business and leisure travel segments. Its properties range from large, upmarket city hotels and convention centres, to elite island resorts and economy products. The company recently launched a new affordable hotel concept, COSI, designed for the new generation of connected lifestyle travellers. In addition to expanding COSI, Centara aims to develop new businesses where it can leverage its competitive strengths of Thai hospitality, food and spa expertise, and synergy with the Central Group.
Blaiklock’s experience will also be put to work to improve Centara’s technical platforms and systems, ensuring that the company’s core infrastructure supports its vision for global expansion.
“I’m delighted to be back with Centara during this dynamic period of growth for the company,” he said. “The plans are ambitious and exciting. I look forward to contributing my experience, energy, and leadership to Centara’s capable team. Together we can achieve great progress.”
Centara’s Chief Executive Officer, Thirayuth Chirativat, added: "We are delighted to have Markland back with Centara. This new position is an important component in our growth plans and his proven leadership qualities will help us accomplish our goals.”
