Millennium & Copthorne appoints industry veteran Jenny Fox as CEO

Fox has more than 30 years of experience in Australia, Hong Kong, the UK and Europe, the US, Canada and the Middle East. She has held senior executive roles in operations, branding and marketing across mid-scale, upscale and luxury segments of the industry.

Most recently, Fox was president of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which she joined in 2011. Prior to that, she held senior positions at InterContinental Hotels over a 10-year period, including chief operating officer for Europe and senior vice president overseeing global brand marketing.

She joined IHG from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where she was the global brand manager for Sheraton, having spent over ten years in various operational roles with ITT Sheraton.

Tan Kian Seng, who has served as interim group CEO since February 2017, will remain with the group as chief of staff and assume other executive responsibilities.

Chairman Kwek Leng Beng said: "I am delighted to welcome Jennifer to the group as our chief executive officer. She has had an illustrious and long career in the hospitality industry. With her strong leadership and in-depth sales, marketing and branding background, she will play a critical role in repositioning our key hotels, uplifting brand awareness of the group, as well as improving the overall performance of our portfolio.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Kian Seng for his commitment, support and the leadership he has provided. As chief of staff, he will assist Jennifer in expediting the progress of the group."

At 1555 BST, the shares were down 0.2% to 542p.