Winston Gong Appointed General Manager at Avani Kota Kinabalu, Leading the Hotel’s Growth Strategy

In a move that strengthens the leadership at Minor Hotels, the global hospitality group has appointed Winston Gong as the new General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu. This appointment comes as the hotel accelerates its commercial strategy and prepares to open its doors in the second quarter of 2026. Gong’s extensive international hotel leadership experience across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East makes him the ideal candidate to lead the 352-key hotel and oversee its operations.

A Strong Leadership Legacy

Minor Hotels, known for its diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and branded residences, operates properties across 59 countries. With the appointment of Winston Gong, the group is reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence and a superior guest experience at Avani Kota Kinabalu. This new role will see Gong leverage his deep experience in hotel openings, operational turnarounds, and performance-driven results, ensuring the hotel’s smooth launch and long-term success.

Gong’s career spans over several prestigious hotel brands, where he has been consistently recognized for his ability to drive revenue growth, enhance guest satisfaction, and manage high-impact stakeholder relationships. Prior to this role, he was the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, where he played a key role in driving year-on-year growth and strengthening market share while maintaining brand standards. Gong’s leadership in operational turnarounds and pre-opening projects is a significant asset as he takes the helm at Avani Kota Kinabalu.

A Hotel Designed for Both Leisure and Business Travelers

Avani Kota Kinabalu is set to become a significant player in Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality landscape. Located in the Luyang district, the hotel is strategically placed for both leisure and corporate travelers, offering convenient access to retail, dining, and airport connectivity. With its 352 keys, including 22 suites, the hotel aims to attract a wide range of visitors. This blend of luxury and convenience will make it an ideal destination for both short breaks and extended stays in the region.

One of the highlights of the hotel is its integrated food and beverage offerings. The hotel will feature a Chinese restaurant with an adjoining Tea Room that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can also enjoy a selection of international cuisines at the all-day dining venue, relax in the lobby lounge, or indulge in drinks at the rooftop SEEN Rooftop Bar. The rooftop infinity pool offers stunning views, while the 24-hour gym and four meeting rooms ensure guests have everything they need for both relaxation and business needs.

A Focus on Operations and Guest Experience

As General Manager, Winston Gong will lead the overall operations of Avani Kota Kinabalu, ensuring that every aspect of the hotel aligns with Minor Hotels’ vision of delivering high-quality experiences. Gong’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the hotel’s guest service strategies, operational efficiency, and stakeholder management.

With his proven track record in improving revenue performance and guest satisfaction, Gong is poised to elevate Avani Kota Kinabalu into a leading destination within the region. His hands-on approach to leadership and his ability to integrate innovative ideas into day-to-day operations will play a crucial role in achieving the hotel’s strategic goals. Additionally, Gong will work closely with the team to enhance the property’s brand presence in the competitive Kota Kinabalu market, focusing on delivering memorable experiences for all guests.

Avani Kota Kinabalu: A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Convenience

Avani Kota Kinabalu is designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of travelers. The hotel’s location ensures easy access to the city’s top attractions, while its amenities are tailored to offer comfort and convenience. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat after a busy day of exploring the city or attending meetings.

The hotel’s contemporary design, combined with its comprehensive service offering, will provide a welcoming environment for both business and leisure travelers. The integration with The Logg development further enhances the hotel’s appeal, giving guests access to premium retail, dining, and entertainment options right at their doorstep. With its convenient proximity to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the hotel is set to become a hub for international visitors and local guests alike.

A Bright Future Ahead for Avani Kota Kinabalu

Winston Gong’s appointment comes at a time of great anticipation for Avani Kota Kinabalu. As the hotel approaches its grand opening in Q2 2026, Gong’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the property successfully integrates into the local hospitality market. His deep understanding of both city and resort environments, combined with his experience in pre-opening operations, will allow him to oversee a smooth launch and foster lasting relationships with key stakeholders.

Minor Hotels’ strategy for Avani Kota Kinabalu is clear: to create a hotel that serves both the leisure and business segments, offering seamless connectivity, exceptional service, and a luxurious yet accessible environment. Under Gong’s leadership, the hotel is poised to become a significant addition to the thriving hospitality landscape in Kota Kinabalu and beyond.

Looking Forward to the Grand Opening

The launch of Avani Kota Kinabalu is expected to be a major event for the city and the region. With Gong at the helm, the hotel is set to deliver an outstanding guest experience, further cementing Minor Hotels’ position as a global leader in the hospitality industry. The hotel’s strategic location, impressive facilities, and strong leadership make it a promising new addition to the city’s hospitality offerings.

As Avani Kota Kinabalu prepares to open its doors, it promises to offer an exceptional blend of modern luxury and traditional Malaysian hospitality, setting a new standard for hotels in the region. Winston Gong’s leadership will undoubtedly be key to ensuring the hotel’s continued success as it begins its journey in Kota Kinabalu.

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Klaus Assmann Appointed CEO for Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia at United Hospitality Management

United Hospitality Management (UHM), a renowned leader in luxury and mixed-use hospitality management, has announced the appointment of Klaus Assmann as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia regions. This promotion comes just nine months after Klaus joined UHM as Chief Operating Officer (COO). His new role positions him at the helm of driving the company’s ambitious growth strategy as UHM targets managing 100 business units globally by 2030.

Klaus brings with him an impressive 40 years of international experience in the hospitality industry, during which he has played a pivotal role in the development, pre-opening, and operations of some of the world’s most iconic hospitality properties. He has been instrumental in the successful launches of prominent establishments such as Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Jumeirah Phuket, and New York’s Essex House, to name a few. His extensive expertise spans across leading prestigious luxury brands like Fairmont, Sofitel, Jumeirah, Shangri-La, Park Hyatt, and Nikko Hotels.

A Legacy of Leadership in the Hospitality Industry

Before joining UHM, Klaus served as the CEO of Aldar Hotels & Hospitality, where he managed an extensive portfolio of 25 business units, including luxury hotels, marinas, golf courses, and beach clubs. During his tenure, he oversaw the operations of 4,500 rooms and led the development of 3,000 additional rooms across managed and franchised properties. Under his leadership, Aldar invested AED 1.6 billion in asset improvements, significantly enhancing long-term value through major renovation projects.

His leadership at Aldar set a strong foundation for the success he now brings to UHM. With a deep understanding of both operational excellence and strategic growth, Klaus will guide the company’s expansion in some of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets.

Driving UHM’s Growth Strategy in Key Global Markets

In his new role, Klaus Assmann will lead UHM’s expansion strategy across the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia—regions that present enormous potential for growth. As CEO, he will be responsible for overseeing the company’s portfolio and ensuring the continued success of UHM’s lifestyle ecosystem, which includes 20 specialty food and beverage brands and the award-winning ‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’ wellness division.

Klaus will also play a critical role in developing UHM’s growing list of luxury properties in key markets such as Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, where the company aims to solidify its presence and drive market-leading performance. UHM’s commitment to providing world-class experiences in luxury hospitality will be further enhanced by Klaus’s deep industry expertise and leadership.

Vision for UHM’s Future

United Hospitality Management’s goal to manage 100 business units by 2030 underscores its vision for sustained growth and operational excellence. Klaus’s promotion to CEO reflects his alignment with this vision and his ability to guide the company through its next phase of evolution. Under his leadership, UHM will continue to prioritize its core values of delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices across its diverse portfolio.

His extensive background in overseeing the pre-opening phases of iconic hotels and resorts will also be a key asset as UHM works to expand its footprint in high-growth markets. Klaus’s strategic leadership will ensure that UHM not only grows its market share but also sets new standards for excellence in hospitality management, providing unforgettable experiences for guests while achieving long-term profitability for its stakeholders.

Klaus Assmann’s Impact on UHM’s Lifestyle and Wellness Divisions

Klaus will also be instrumental in expanding UHM’s wellness offerings, particularly with its Serenity – The Art of Well Being division. This award-winning wellness program has been a hallmark of UHM’s brand, and Klaus will continue to drive its expansion, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of luxury wellness services in the Middle East and Asia. The demand for wellness tourism is growing rapidly across the globe, and UHM’s commitment to integrating wellness into its hospitality offerings will help meet this demand.

With Klaus at the helm, UHM’s diverse portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts will continue to cater to a global clientele that values high-end experiences, exceptional service, and holistic wellness solutions. His expertise will also help UHM navigate the evolving landscape of mixed-use developments, ensuring that UHM continues to lead in this innovative area of the hospitality sector.

Strengthening UHM’s Strategic Partnerships and Industry Alliances

Klaus’s leadership experience also extends to fostering strategic partnerships with other global hospitality brands and service providers, which will be crucial as UHM continues to expand its reach across the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. His ability to build and nurture these relationships will ensure that UHM remains a key player in the luxury hospitality sector, able to leverage synergies with other brands and create even more value for its guests and stakeholders.

A Strong Future for United Hospitality Management

As UHM moves into its next phase of growth, Klaus Assmann’s appointment as CEO positions the company to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for luxury hospitality and wellness tourism in high-growth markets. With his proven track record of successful leadership, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of the luxury hospitality market, Klaus is well-equipped to lead UHM into the future.

UHM’s commitment to providing world-class experiences, delivering operational excellence, and expanding its global footprint will remain strong under Klaus’s leadership. As the company continues to grow, it will undoubtedly set new standards for the industry, ensuring that UHM’s properties remain synonymous with luxury, innovation, and exceptional guest experiences.

Conclusion

Klaus Assmann’s promotion to CEO for the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia at United Hospitality Management marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. With nearly 40 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Klaus brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be crucial as UHM pursues its goal of managing 100 business units globally by 2030. His leadership will continue to shape the future of UHM, driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence across the company’s diverse portfolio of luxury properties, wellness divisions, and lifestyle brands.

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