InterContinental overseas appointments for Maltese

Chef Ruben Ruggier of the InterContinental Malta is to move to New York where he has just been appointed executive sous chef at the prestigious InterContinental The Barclay.

Mr Ruggier, 33, joined InterContinental Malta just over two years ago as sous chef responsible for the à la carte restaurants in the hotel. He has had a varied career after studying at the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta, having worked in Northampton for two years with a five-star international hotel chain and then in Malta with other five-star hotels and leading restaurants.

Mr Ruggier is one of several Maltese who have been appointed to managerial and executive positions at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

Andrew Ransley was recently appointed director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus. Mr Ransley, 31, became the first Maltese to be promoted to an executive position in an overseas property within InterContinental Hotels Group.

He joined InterContinental Malta as sales manager in May 2002 and was promoted to assistant director of sales and marketing two years later, where he was responsible for the wholesale and corporate market segments.

Earlier, two members from InterContinental Malta's front office team were also transferred.

Tara Dunbar-Smyth was promoted to guest relations manager at InterContinental Park Lane London at the beginning of 2007 and Emily Borg was appointed guest relations manager at InterContinental The Willard, Washington DC two years ago.

"We are very proud that these team members have been given important and leading positions at some of our flagship properties. Through their determination, professionalism and the training which they have received at InterContinental Malta they are true ambassadors to Malta at InterContinental Hotels worldwide," said Christophe Laure, General Manager, InterContinental Malta