Beijing, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has appointed Steven Taylor as Group Chief Marketing Officer. Mr. Taylor will assume his new role on January 5, 2015, based in Hong Kong and reporting directly to the Group President and CEO, Mr. Kerry C. Kuok.
Mr. Taylor will oversee all functions within the Group’s Sales & Marketing department, including profit management, sales, digital marketing, brand communications, loyalty and partnership marketing, customer analytics and retention, reservations and distribution, and corporate public relations.
Previously, he served as Vice President for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he was responsible for 260 hotels under nine brands, including The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W, and Westin. Prior to that, he had 16 years of senior management experience at Starwood, covering brand management, digital marketing, loyalty and partnership marketing, e-commerce, and profit management. Mr. Taylor holds a Master of Business Administration from the Swiss Hotel Management School.
"We are delighted to welcome Steven to Shangri-La’s senior leadership team. Over the past decade, marketing and communications have fundamentally evolved, and Steven brings deep expertise in communicating effectively in the ‘era of C’ (consumers, content, and connectivity). He will leverage his strategic vision and extensive experience to enhance our digital engagement with customers and continue to deliver Shangri-La’s globally renowned philosophy of heartfelt hospitality," said Mr. Kerry C. Kuok, President and CEO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Mr. Taylor also commented, "Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is an industry leader and a premier brand in luxury lifestyle. I am excited to contribute to the future of such an outstanding brand, and to work alongside Shangri-La’s talented global team to continue creating exceptional experiences and unforgettable moments for our guests, further enhancing the reputation of our hotels and brand worldwide."