Phuket, Thailand, September 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Slate, the quirky, art-inspired beachfront resort on Phuket's secluded northwest coast, has announced the appointment of Claude Sauter as its new General Manager. He brings an unparalleled level of local knowledge, industry expertise, and leadership experience to this key position.

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Claude, a Swiss national, is a seasoned hotel professional with a proven track record of success. He has maintained a close and fulfilling relationship with Phuket and Thailand for 24 years. After first arriving in the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea" in 1997 as Resident Manager of the Impiana Resort Patong, Claude subsequently managed some of the island's finest hotels and resorts. He speaks fluent Thai, one of six languages ​​he is fluent in, alongside French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Claude, a graduate of the renowned Swiss hotel management school École Hôtelière de Genève and the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, is undoubtedly highly qualified. However, his time in Phuket significantly shaped his life and career. After five successful years with Impiana, Claude took on his first position as General Manager at Cape & Kantary Hotels, managing the famous Cape Panwa Hotel in southeast Phuket. Since then, he has been responsible for several large hotels in Phuket and the neighboring province of Phang Nga for international hotel chains such as Wyndham and Marco Polo. Most recently, he served for over six years as General Manager of The Surin Phuket, playing a key role in making it one of the most successful hotels on the island.

Now he brings his impressive management skills and local knowledge to The Slate, where Bill Bensley's exceptional and captivating interior design concept reflects the island's industrial tin mining heritage. Nestled on the pristine beaches of Nai Yang Beach, a secluded stretch of coastline in northwest Phuket, this unique resort transports its guests to a world of avant-garde art and contemporary design. They can stay in luxurious rooms, suites, and pool villas, relax in shimmering pools and tranquil gardens, indulge in the spectacular Coqoon Spa, unwind on the beach, and savor culinary delights at various restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Black Ginger.

What truly sets The Slate apart from other resorts, however, is the way it introduces travelers from around the world to Phuket's culture through authentic, art-inspired journeys, engaging activities, and community-driven initiatives. This approach is thanks to the hotel's co-founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong (“Khun Moo”), whose family history is deeply intertwined with the island. Together with Claude, Khun Moo offers unparalleled insights into this enchanting destination.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Claude as our new General Manager at The Slate. His track record speaks for itself: he is not only a highly qualified hotelier with strong leadership qualities, but also shares my deep passion for Phuket. Having lived and worked on the island for over two decades and speaking fluent Thai, he can offer our guests expert advice and insights while intuitively understanding the local tourism market and the needs of our staff. Claude is a perfect fit for The Slate,” said Khun Moo.

“It is an honor to be appointed General Manager of The Slate and to work alongside Khun Moo, a true icon of the tourism and hospitality industry in Phuket. She has created one of Asia’s most breathtaking resorts, skillfully blending her family’s life story with Bill Bensley’s design and world-class five-star hospitality. As the world begins to travel again, I look forward to ushering in an exciting new era at this outstanding resort and creating exceptional experiences for all our guests,” added Claude.

About The Slate, A Phuket Pearl Resort: Inspired by Phuket's tin mining heritage, The Slate blends Bill Bensley's playful design with industrial elements to create unique guest experiences. A selection of stunning suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, surrounds shimmering pools and gardens. The tranquil Coqoon Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Guests can enjoy culinary delights at a variety of stylish restaurants and bars, participate in authentic, locally inspired activities – from yoga to Muay Thai – or simply stroll along the pristine Nai Yang beach.