Executive Appointments as Utopia Expands into Hospitality

(10 Nov 2021)  Utopia, a Phuket-based real estate developer, has appointed Nalina 'Note' Suranakarin as Chief Brand Officer, Ivo Tzvetkov as Chief Operating Officer of Utopia Hospitality Group (UHG) and Praisie Huang as UHG’s Chief Growth Officer.

The trio will lead Utopia Hospitality Group (UHG), a new brand which the company says plans to open "many brand new properties" from premium midscale through to ultra-luxury, as well as rebrand and renovate existing properties in 2022.

From left: Nalina Suranakarin, Chief Brand Officer; Praisie Huang, Chief Growth Officer; Hachi Yin, CEO and Founder; Ivo Tzvetkov, COO

The highlight of UHG's master plan is to build a development in Ao Po Bay on Phuket's northern coastline and another on Nai Harn beach in the south of Phuket.

Ivo Tzvetkov has over three decades of hospitality industry experience. Ivo joined the Sheraton Sofia as a Sales & Marketing Trainee in 1991 and since then has worked in different countries including Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Dubai and China, constantly expanding his knowledge, experience and responsibilities. Ivo has joined Utopia from Al Khoory Hotels in Dubai where he spent 3 years working as General Manager - Operations and Quality Assurance.

Praisie Huang is a Singaporean who has spent most of her hospitality industry career in Phuket, Thailand. With 15 years of experience, Praisie has worked with The Old Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club, Dusit, Moevenpick, Millennium & Copthorne, Westin, Starwood and the Maikhao Dream Hotel. Praisie joined Utopia after a brief spell at Impiana.

Since leaving Thammasat University with a Degree in Political Science - International Relations, Nalina 'Note' Suranakarin has worked with Pacific Star, Raimon Land, Macrorich Metro and Diageo.

Hachi Yin, CEO of Utopia Corporation, said, "We believe that these experts in their respective fields will elevate our organizations to the next level and contribute to a steady future of Utopia Corporation as a leading property development company and UHG as a property operations and hotel management company through our new brands."