World-leading hospitality group Accor has announced the appointment of William J. Haandrikman as managing director of Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford effective April 3.
Relocating to Singapore from Vietnam, Haandrikman steps into his new role to lead two of the most iconic properties in the Lion City. He will continue to drive service excellence and guest experience; and spearhead an integrated business strategy to maintain the hotels’ position as an industry-leading hospitality destination in Singapore.
With more than 30 years of international hospitality experience in senior management positions across Europe, USA and Asia, Haandrikman was most recently the General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the Grand Dame of Vietnam, as well as Area General Manager for Accor North Vietnam.
Since 1992, his illustrious career with the French hotel chain has seen remarkable contributions in Brussels, Moscow, Amsterdam, and New York, as well as with the Sofitel brand in The Hague, Paris, Vienna, Shanghai, Bangkok and Hanoi.
In 2005, he held his first General Manager appointment at Sofitel Den Haag, the Netherlands; and subsequently also oversaw the opening and managed the prestigious SoVienna Stephansdom in Austria. During his assignment in Bangkok, Haandrikman served as the Cluster General Manager for two Accor properties, including the 345- room Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, which under his leadership was positioned as one of the leading five- star properties in Thailand.
Haandrikman was presented with the top honour and named “General Manager of the Year” in Asia at the Stelliers Asia and South Asia 2019 awards ceremony, held in Singapore on 28 May.
“Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford are true hospitality icons; not only architecturally iconic but well-renowned for their levels of service and expertise. I’m looking forward to spearhead the next chapter of growth”, shares Haandrikman of his new position.
Haandrikman is a graduate of Glion University (MBA), Hotel School in the Netherlands, ESSEC Executive Management Program and the Executive Management Program at Cornell University.
