Langham Place, Mongkok has appointed KATIE MALONE as their new director of communications. Katie, a New Zealander, was last week awarded the title of Australasia’s Best Public Relations/Communications Person at the 2008 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.

The awards are a benchmark in the Pacific region recognizing hospitality distinction throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.  Katie was awarded the title for her efforts at The Langham, Auckland where she has headed the hotel’s communications for the past two years.

Finalists for the title included key communication staff from Hilton Australasia, Sheraton on the Park Sydney, Park Hyatt Sydney, Mirvac Hotels & Resorts Australasia, Accor Asia Pacific, Hilton Adelaide, and Hayman Island Queensland.

Katie moved from The Langham, Auckland to Langham Place, Mongkok earlier this month.  Prior to her time with The Langham, Katie has worked in communications with Singapore Airlines, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and public relations agency Allan Boyle Associates.

About Langham Hotels International
Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel.  Over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality.  Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience.

The group is presently pursuing an aggressive portfolio growth strategy using its distinctive brands – The Langham, Langham Place and Eaton. Currently, 15 hotels are open or in the pipeline in the Langham Hotels International portfolio.

Six hotels on four continents are branded The Langham where guests can enjoy service with poise.  Be enchanted by our innovation and traditions in Auckland, Boston, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne and Pasadena. The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai is due to open at the end of 2008.

Langham Place, the fun sibling of The Langham, is the epitome of stimulating and artistic hospitality. Two Langham Places are open - Hong Kong and Koh Lanta, Thailand. Three new Langham Places are scheduled to open in 2008/9 in Beijing (2) and Changchun. Langham Place Vineyard Resort + Spa, Waiheke Island will open in 2010.

Eaton is a premium four star property that aims to surprise and delight our guests with a value-for-money proposition, delivering an affordable yet stylish, modern level of comfort and spirited, can-do service.

Langham Hotels International is a wholly-owned company of Great Eagle Holdings (Stock Code: 0041) which was founded in 1963 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972.