To support the growth plans of the Swiss-based international hotel group, the Executive Committee of Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has been expanded to include a new member: From 17 September 2007, Philip B. Mertens has taken up the position of Senior Vice President Development & Facility Management.

Philip B. Mertens is well known in the hospitality industry for his experience in feasibility evaluations, strategic planning and project development.

A dual citizen of Germany and South Africa, Mertens was born in Namibia and is a Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate of the University of Denver, USA. Following graduation, he held a number of senior leadership and consulting roles in Asia-Pacific with Ernst & Young, Horwath Asia Pacific and Holiday Inn. In the Middle East, Mertens has been Director of Development and Strategy for Qatar National Hotels. Most recently, he was Development Director for the Sorouh Real Estate Company in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

With some 30 hotel projects currently in development or under construction in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, it is important that an Executive Committee member has a hands-on involvement and global overview of projects, which enable consistent spearheading and coordination of all relevant processes, stated Jean Gabriel Peres, President & CEO Movenpick Hotels & Resorts. In Mertens, we have found the right candidate for this position. He will play a central role in the realization of our expansion targets.