New Managing Director for The Langham, Hong Kong

Langham Hotels International has appointed Katie Benson as managing director of The Langham, Hong Kong. Benson has more than 20 years in the hotel industry. Cited by Hotel Management magazine as an "exceptional hospitality professional," Benson has held executive positions at luxury properties in the Middle East, China and Australia. Prior to joining The Langham, Hong Kong, Benson served as managing director of the five-star Langham, Melbourne, where she hosted a multitude of high-profile guests including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former U.S. President Bill Clinton. During her time as managing director of The Langham, Melbourne, she was the first woman to be named Australian Hotel Manager of the Year at the 2006 HM Awards for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence. Benson's appointment as managing director coincides with the Hong Kong hotel's completion of the first phase of a $22 million renovation of the hotel's 492 guestrooms and suites. (MR)