Highly-skilled Swiss hotelier joins the art-inspired beachfront resort, following an impressive career that has included more than two decades of managerial experience in the “Pearl of the Andaman”.
Phuket, Thailand — The Slate, the whimsical, art-inspired beachfront resort on Phuket’s secluded northwest coast, has announced the appointment of Claude Sauter as its new General Manager, bringing an unrivalled depth of local knowledge, industry acumen and leadership experience to this key role.
A Swiss national, Claude is a life-long hospitality professional with a proven track record. He has also enjoyed a richly rewarding 24-year relationship with Phuket – and with Thailand as a whole. Having first arrived in the “Pearl of the Andaman” in 1997, as Resident Manager of Impiana Resort Patong, Claude went on to manage some of the island’s top hotels and resorts. He is also proficient in Thai, one of six languages he can speak along with French, English, German, Italian and Spanish.
A graduate of Ecole Hôtelière de Genève, the prestigious Swiss hotel school, and Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Claude is clearly highly qualified. But it is his time in Phuket that has defined his life and career. Following five successful years with Impiana, Claude achieved his first general manager’s role with Cape & Kantary Hotels, leading the famous Cape Panwa Hotel in southeast Phuket. He has since headed up several major properties in Phuket and neighbouring Phang Nga province for international hotel groups including Wyndham and Marco Polo. Most recently, he was GM of The Surin Phuket for over six years, making it one of the island’s best-performing hotels.
Now, he brings his impressive management qualities and local area expertise to The Slate, where Bill Bensley’s quirky and compelling interior design concept showcases the island’s industrial tin mining heritage. Nestled on the pure shores of Nai Yang Beach, a secluded stretch of Phuket’s northwest coast, this unique resort immerses guests in a world of avant-garde art and design. Guests can stay in a selection of luxurious rooms, suites and pool villas, unwind in glistening pools and tranquil gardens, soothe their senses at the spectacular Coqoon Spa, chill out on the beach, and savour sensational cuisine in a choice of dining destinations, including Black Ginger, the Michelin-recommended Thai restaurant.
What truly sets The Slate apart from other resorts, however, is how it empowers travellers from all over the world to learn about Phuket’s culture through authentic art-inspired journeys, engaging activities and community-orientated initiatives. This is driven by the hotel’s co-founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong (“Khun Moo”), whose family history is woven into the fabric of the island. Together, Khun Moo and Claude will offer unparalleled insights into this enchanting destination.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Claude to The Slate as our new general manager. His track record speaks for itself; not only is he a highly skilled hotelier with strong leadership qualities; he also shares my deep passion for Phuket. Having spent more than two decades living and working on the island and being able to speak Thai, he can offer expert advice and insights to our guests, while also intuitively understanding the local tourism market and the needs of our team members. Claude is a perfect fit for The Slate,” commented Khun Moo.
“It is an honour to be appointed GM of The Slate and to work alongside Khun Moo, who is a truly iconic figure in Phuket’s tourism and hospitality industry. She has successfully created one of the most breath-taking resorts in Asia, which successfully weaves her family’s life story with Bill Bensley’s design and the finest five-star hospitality. As the world starts to travel again, I look forward to ushering in an exciting new era at this outstanding resort, and creating exceptional experiences for all our guests,” added Claude.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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