Chisholm takes helm at Sofitel So Singapore

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has announced the appointment of Tony Chisholm as general manager of Sofitel So Singapore, the group’s first property in Singapore set to open early next year. In his new role, Chisholm will be responsible for establishing a pre-opening team and to pave the direction for the Sofitel So Singapore following the success of the Sofitel So Bangkok. Chisholm, a native New Zealander, will take the helm of Sofitel So Singapore’s pre-opening team from July 1st. 2012. A seasoned professional, Chisholm has almost two decades of regional hospitality experience managing hotels throughout Asia Pacific. Prior to his latest appointment, he was general manager at the Sofitel Brisbane Central. Under his leadership, the property saw tremendous growth and success in guest satisfaction and customer loyalty. Chisholm has also held several leadership positions within Accor’s network of hotels over the past eight years, including being general manager of Sofitel Dalat Palace and Novotel Dalat, as well as Novotel Clarke Quay Singapore, where Chisholm was the resident manager during the property’s revamp. “To introduce the Sofitel brand in Singapore, we sought a strong leader with proven results and an excellent track-record,” said Markland Blaiklock, senior vice president of Sofitel Asia Pacific. “I’m confident that Tony, with his in-depth understanding of the Sofitel brand and over 18 years of experience in all facets of hotel operations will bring strong leadership to this important project. “His expertise will play a major role in successfully positioning Sofitel So Singapore as a preferred choice of stay for savvy business and leisure travellers looking for prime location and unique lifestyle offerings.” Sofitel So is the designer, “boutique hotel” vision of Sofitel, featuring trendy hotels in contemporary locations. Blending design and style, each Sofitel So aims to cater to travellers seeking the ultimate in luxury, culture and comfort, while expressing the essence of the destination. Reflecting a strong flare for design, each boutique hotel will combine the iconic Sofitel art de vivre with a signature design of an international designer from the fashion, art or design fields. With the addition of Sofitel So Singapore, Sofitel currently has a network of three So label properties and another one under development in trendy, contemporary locations around the world. The first location was the Sofitel So Mauritius, which opened in December 2010. Sofitel So Bangkok, the first urban Sofitel So, in February 2012 and the fourth Sofitel So hotel in the pipeline, Sofitel So Mumbai, is set to open in 2015.