The role has been filled by Geoffrey Webb, who will oversee the five regional sales hubs responsible for driving revenue from the global travel agencies and tour operators. 

Joanna Flint, chief commercial officer, said: “Collaborating with our travel industry partners is critical to business growth in the luxury hospitality sector, given the complex needs of the luxury industry’s discerning customer base.”

Webb joined Mandarin Oriental in 2019 as director of commercial strategy for the group’s flagship property, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. He has spent more than three decades in operations and luxury hospitality, working with brands including St Regis, Peninsula, IHG, Hilton and Sofitel in Australia, Canada, Middle East, United States and Thailand. Webb is an Australian national and will relocate to London. 

Webb will report to Raphael Lanfant, who has been appointed to the newly created role of global vice president of channel sales, and will be responsible for overseeing the global revenue growth and the effectiveness of the newly formed global channel sales and distribution organisation.

Lanfant joins the group from Alibaba, where he held the position of global head of international hotel partnerships, and will be based in Singapore.

Celine Du has been appointed as vice president of global industry partners and will be responsible for Mandarin Oriental’s global corporate and key account revenue.

Du joined the group in 2015 as vice president sales and marketing in Greater China, before being promoted to vice president of regional sales, Asia Pacific. Celine is a Chinese national and is based in Hong Kong. Du will also report to Lanfant. 

Flint added: “I’m delighted to bring together this diverse and accomplished group to bolster our global sales leadership, and to explore innovative ways to support and enable our sales and industry partners around the world.”