Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, announces the appointment of Giles Selves as Senior Vice President of Luxury Hotels for Europe. In this key leadership role, Giles is responsible for driving the strategic and commercial direction of the luxury brands whilst enhancing guest experiences, operational excellence and supporting the growth and development of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas and Tivoli Hotels & Resorts across Europe as the group embarks on its continued expansion across the continent.
With an intrinsic understanding of the modern luxury traveller, Giles brings over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and a proven track record delivering exceptional results in various operational roles. Having joined Minor Hotels in 2015 where he spent years at the helm of Anantara properties in Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Giles is now tasked with ensuring a seamless implementation of the Anantara and Tivoli brands and delivering an unparalleled guest experience for the group’s luxury portfolio in Europe.
Prior to his move to Europe, Giles spent nearly 5 years in the Maldives, firstly as General Manager at the prestigious Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, before a promotion to Cluster General Manager for Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Islands, whilst also overseeing Anantara Kihavah and the pre-opening of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. Giles’ leadership skills and commercial understanding were instrumental in driving revenue growth and operational efficiency throughout the pandemic where he navigated his team through the upheaval and successfully led the hotels to achieve two of the best years on record in 2021 and 2022.
Having spent 19 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Giles took the F&B path into hotel management. Originating in hotels in London and Scotland before continuing into an F&B role in the company’s headquarters for Europe, Africa and Middle East, Giles spent 5 years overseeing all aspects related to F&B development before moving back into operations in Greece. In 2011 Giles first moved to Thailand as Hotel Manager for the preopening of the St. Regis Bangkok, a property owned by Minor Hotels. He then progressed to General Manager at Keraton at the Plaza, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Jakarta, before moving back to Thailand in 2015 as a GM for Minor Hotels with Anantara.
Throughout his career, Giles has been continually recognised for his strong leadership skills, strategic commercial vision and ability to foster a positive and collaborative culture in each and every environment. Giles’ innate guest-centric approach ensures that all guests leave his properties with lifelong memories, an attitude which goes hand in hand with Anantara’s commitment to authentic luxury experiences for discerning travellers.
As the Senior Vice President of Luxury Hotels for Europe for Minor Hotels, Giles is responsible for expanding the Anantara Europe portfolio, which currently totals eight properties. He works closely alongside the General Managers, operational teams and corporate support functions, to ensure the highest standards of service, quality, and brand consistency are maintained across all properties and to seek future opportunities to elevate the Anantara brand awareness and experience.
Commenting on the appointment, Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, said, “I am thrilled to witness Giles Selves’ continued growth and development within the Minor family. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the hospitality industry from some of Asia’s most exclusive destinations will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in new markets across Europe. We are confident that Giles’ leadership and operational expertise will further enhance our position as leaders in the European luxury hospitality space.”
Giles, who a British national, holds a Bachelor’s degree and Masters in Business Administration and currently resides in Madrid, Spain.
