Marriott International announced recently the expansion of Duke Nam’s role as Area Vice President for South Korea and Philippines, to now include Vietnam. This expanded role marks another chapter in the 38-year hospitality career of this industry veteran.
A Korean national, Duke, who was educated in Switzerland and the UK, spent more than 25-years with Marriott International’s portfolio of brands, including senior leadership roles across Asia Pacific. Having enjoyed successful spells as the General Manager of Westin and St. Regis hotels in Taipei, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, he spent several years as Area Managing Director for West, Central and South China, responsible for multiple hotels and resorts across these rapidly emerging regions.
Duke was appointed Vice President of Operations, South China & Hainan for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2014. Following Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood, he was promoted to Area Vice President for South China in 2016. In 2018, he returned to South Korea to assume the role of Area Vice President for the market. This position was later broadened to include the Philippines.
“Duke is one of the region’s most highly respected and renowned hospitality professionals, with an exceptional career that now spans almost four decades. He worked at the height of the Asian development boom in some of the region’s most important markets, including China, and has a proven track record of delivering strong results. This makes him the perfect person to spearhead our continued success in Vietnam” said Neeraj Govil, Chief Operations Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.
Duke’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Marriott International embarks on an extensive growth strategy in Vietnam where it now operates 23 properties. By the end of 2024, the company anticipates expanding its nationwide portfolio with more than 50 projects in development pipeline. This expansion will launch several new brands in the country, including Westin, which made its debut recently with The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh. Future brand launches include The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Executive Apartments and more.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, Duke brings unparalleled experience, exceptional leadership skills and a strong performance record, making him uniquely qualified to lead Marriott into this exciting new era. Duke’s expanded role will see him responsible for over 70 operating properties across 16 brands in South Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam.
