By V.  Sivaji 

French national Ms Sophie Mougel is the new Vice President, Strategy & Regional General Manager, Philippines and Malaysia for The Ascott Limited.

Based in Singapore she often travels to Penang and Kuala Lumpur attending to new ventures and up-coming projects.

Penang Hyperlocal had an opportunity to talk to Mougel to find out about herself and the new developments at The Ascott Limited.

In her new role, Ms Mougel will spearhead the implementation of Ascott’s global strategic plans, developing the group’s long-range planning projections that support its overarching global strategy. 

Mougel also ensures alignment between operational initiatives and strategic goals through the Balance Scorecard and is responsible for the development and execution of Southeast Asia’s Financial Planning and Analysis function. 

This includes leading asset management activities to optimise financial performance and growth.

In her dual role as Regional General Manager, Ms Mougel oversees the overall performance of properties in the Philippines and Malaysia, supporting in-country leadership teams to drive growth and operational excellence across the portfolio.

With a strong background in the hospitality industry, Ms Mougel was most recently Director of Operations for Southeast Asia & Korea with IHG Hotels & Resorts. 

She managed a portfolio of around 30 properties across Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, including full- and limited-service hotels across different chain scales. 

Before taking on this role, she was Head of Development Planning for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, where she oversaw the delivery of initiatives in line with the region’s long-term growth strategy.

Prior to joining IHG, Ms Mougel led the Asia Pacific (excluding China) team at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where she was responsible for feasibility, strategic planning and development marketing. 

Since Sophie has been in this part of the world for quite some time now, she has taken a liking for Char Koay Teow. 

In her spare time, she likes to read and her latest book is by a Malaysian author from Georgetown – Tan Twan Eng.

She also counts travelling and stepping up on a tennis court as her hobbies. 

Sophie also intends to take a trip to head out to Perth and the Margaret River with the family. 

“I call the Margaret River my happy place for the stunning coastline and sense of space”, she adds

She was also formerly a hotel consultant at Cushman & Wakefield and HVS in Australia, where she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Among the hospitality brands under The Ascott Limited are Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Quest, Harris, Fox, Oakwood, Pop!, The Crest Collection to name a few.  

In the meantime, Penang Hyperlocal wishes her all the best in her endeavors.