International hotel group pentahotels is stepping up its expansion plans. As of January this year, the company has appointed Alastair Thomann as Managing Director to oversee its global growth strategy and has also announced a new organisational structure. Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotel Group, parent company of pentahotels, has restructured and centralised the brand under the leadership of Alastair Thomann who will supervise pentahotels’ entire global strategy, from brand standards and brand culture to the operating side of the business. Alastair Thomann, who was previously Managing Director of pentahotels Europe, will report directly to Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. This step has been made to ensure that the brand’s global direction and high standards are consistently maintained around the world, so that every single guest can enjoy the same penta experience regardless of which hotel they stay in. Alastair Thomann has worked for pentahotels since 2006. As Vice President Operations, he was responsible for Human Resources, Sales & Marketing and Revenue Management, including Reservations, and he also headed up the operation division. Thomann has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Surrey, England, and previously worked as a consultant for Arthur Andersen. In 2012, he was appointed Managing Director of pentahotels Europe, which is headquartered in Frankfurt. His main focus has been on driving forward the brand’s expansion.