The Eastern and Oriental Hotel announced the appointment of experienced and well traveled hotelier, Alison Fraser, as their new general manager.
In the 134-years since the E&O was established by the Sarkies brothers, they are proud to have a lady general manager helm the social beacon of George Town for the first time.
Fraser, a British national, comes from a wide and varied background in luxury hospitality and innovative lifestyle concepts, spanning three decades of experience in the United Kingdom, Middle East and Asia, in key positions with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, London and in general management positions with GHM Hotels and Resorts in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Bali.
In 2008, Fraser became a partner in Brand Bon Ton Sdn Bhd, where she supported Bon Ton and Temple Tree resorts in Langkawi, and a small heritage hotel in Penang, expanding three years later into ChinaHouse, a multi-food and beverage platform in support of the burgeoning art scene on the island.
She was appointed Director of Bon Ton Sdn Bhd in 2016.
Fraser was past president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) in Kedah and Perlis from 2006 – 2010.
Following her success in hospitality, she set up BT Zinc Sdn Bhd in 2013, a Malaysian partner of InVision Hospitality, a South East Asian strategic Hotel Management Company, she has successfully operated 3 properties in Malaysia since.
“I am honoured to be part of this legendary hotel and I look forward to working with the E&O team to ensure the preeminent style and elegance of this heritage icon continues to thrive,” Fraser said.
The E&O Hotel established by the famed Sarkies Brothers in 1885, whose architectural landmarks also include the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel in Penang island is the only hotel in the heart of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site that possesses prime sea frontage.
Over its century-and-a-quarter history, the E&O Hotel has played host to some of the world’s most celebrated artists, writers and heads of state.
The original site of the E&O Hotel, the Heritage Wing, features 100 elegant and expansive suites that retained its unique colonial charm whilst offering modern comforts with round-the-clock butler service.
Staying true to its architectural inspiration, E&O unveiled its new extension in March 2013 – a 15-storey building named the Victory Annexe, its namesake being an old block of the hotel so named after the British victory in World War I.
The Annexe adds a further 132 classically appointed, sea-fronting suites, complemented by new restaurants, meeting rooms, pool, spa, and niche retail outlets.