In the span of a few months, the Chief Operating Officer, Peter Borer, and the Chief Executive Officer, Clement Kwok, will retire, passing their respective batons to Gareth Roberts and Benjamin Vuchot.

It was the President and Founder of the Hong Kong & Shanghai Hotels group himself, Sir Michael Kadoorie, 82, who wished to commend the work done by two of the most loyal executive collaborators of the Asian hotel chain: Clement Kwok, who has been at the helm of Peninsula Hotels for 22 years, and his right-hand man, Peter Borer, who joined the group in 1982.

The succession of Peter Borer as Director of Operations was an obvious choice and in line with the continuity of the group. Gareth Roberts (Photo on the right), 42, has been Peter Borer's right-hand man for 22 years. He has many more years to continue his missions.

On the other hand, a "new blood" will take over from Clement Kwok in a few months. Benjamin Vuchot (photo on the left) is a globe-trotting Frenchman who trained in the finest luxury houses. He will take office on March 3, 2025.

Educated at ESSEC Paris, he has more than 30 years of experience in the sector, notably with the Richemont and LVMH groups. After roles at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, where he led the Asia Pacific region, he joined the LVMH group as President of Sephora Asia, then CEO of DFS Group Limited, a global leader in luxury travel retail.

During his nomination, he expressed his enthusiasm: "Building on the heritage and long-term vision of The Peninsula Hotels, I look forward to working alongside an exceptional team to imagine and create the future of luxury hospitality, which is both sustainable and suited to our times, while respecting the values that have contributed to the success and legacy of the group," said Benjamin Vuchot.

Both Clement Kwok and Peter Borer remain associated with the group, the former as a member of the board of directors at least until 2025, the latter as a non-executive member and advisor.