Operations expert John Parker, named as the new GM, will focus on positioning Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club as Koh Samui’s leading lifestyle resort, as well as elevating SEEN Beach Club Samui’s visibility, both regionally and internationally.
Prior to joining Mari Beach Club as pre-opening General Manager, Parker served as General Manager at February 30 Dubai, a trendy beach bar and restaurant in the UAE, a role he took on following his position as Director of Operations with OTS hospitality group in Taiwan.
Parker began his hospitality career in the US in 2008 working in food and beverage before taking on his first role as General Manager at the Coyote Ugly New York in 2013. He then worked at a series of hotels and casinos in Las Vegas up until 2018, before relocating to Indonesia to join the Hakkasan Group. The same year, Parker joined Omnia, Bali’s first adult only restaurant and club, where he remained for over two years as General Manager.
Commenting on his recent appointment, John Parker said, “I am delighted to be joining the team at Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club. Last year’s grand opening party with world-class entertainment set the bar high for future events at the property’s SEEN Beach Club, and I can’t wait to showcase this amazing destination and home-grown talent through the resort’s programming.”
“John’s vast expertise in both the hospitality and entertainment industries makes him the perfect fit for the role which tasks him with affirming Avani Chaweng’s position as one of the most exciting resorts in Samui, as well as strengthening SEEN Beach Club Samui’s events calendar,” commented Mark O’Sullivan, Area General Manager. “I am thrilled to have John on board and look forward to what promises to be a fruitful partnership.”
A US national, Parker holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Marketing Major from the University of Mississippi.