John Sartain appointed general manager of Mandarin Orchard Singapore

John Sartain joins Meritus Hotels & Resorts (MHR) as general manager of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, the flagship property of the hotel management company owned by Singapore Exchange-listed Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE). John’s appointment comes at a time when the hotel, long regarded in the industry as Singapore’s icon of Asian hospitality, is poised to showcase a series of exciting developments for the Meritus brand.

The British national brings with him some 25 years of industry expertise gained through key assignments across Europe and Asia with major hotel companies including Hilton Hotels and Jarvis Hotels.

In Singapore where he is also a permanent resident, John was general manager of The Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel from 2007 to 2009. Under his leadership, the hotel received the prestigious Spring Singapore Service Excellence Award 2008, a coveted accolade conferred on organizations that demonstrate the highest standards of world-class business and service excellence. The hotel was also nominated for the top five awards under the Best Hotel Operations category of Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2008.

As general manager of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, John is determined to drive service levels to previously unseen heights alongside a stronger, more unified team. Given that he is in charge of the flagship hotel, John will play a key role in implementing new product and service standards under a revitalized Meritus brand, setting benchmarks for the rest of the hotels in the group’s portfolio.

Also among his priorities is driving the profitability of the hotel’s food and beverage outlets through exciting and targeted events and promotions, thereby positioning Mandarin Orchard Singapore as the dining hub of Orchard Road. It is a task he is passionate about, being a food and wine connoisseur himself.

Outside of work, John is a sports enthusiast who enjoys golf, football, scuba diving, skiing, and marathon running. He counts traveling, reading, and spending time with his family as his favorite pastimes.