Minor Hotels, a globally recognized hotel owner, operator, and investor with a portfolio spanning 57 countries, has announced significant senior leadership changes within its Anantara brand portfolio in northern Thailand. The luxury hospitality group is reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and regional growth by appointing Arnaud Béril as Cluster General Manager of both Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Simultaneously, Jean-Marc Pougnet has been promoted to General Manager at Anantara Golden Triangle, marking his first General Manager role with the company.

These strategic appointments aim to ensure continued innovation, consistency, and high-touch guest service across two of the region’s most iconic luxury resorts.

Strengthening Leadership in Northern Thailand

Located in some of Thailand’s most culturally rich and naturally stunning landscapes, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort represent flagship properties for Minor Hotels in the kingdom’s north. This region is a focal point for sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and experiential travel — all key pillars of Anantara’s hospitality philosophy.

According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces are among the most visited in northern Thailand, and their tourism ecosystems rely heavily on high-standard accommodations and ethical, sustainable operations. Anantara’s presence in the region, therefore, holds not only commercial value but also cultural and environmental significance.

Arnaud Béril Elevated to Cluster General Manager

Arnaud Béril, a seasoned hospitality professional with a proven record of operational excellence within Minor Hotels, has been promoted to Cluster General Manager of both Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

A French national, Arnaud began his journey with Minor Hotels as an intern in 2010. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to guest experience have seen him rise through the organization, holding key positions across the country in Koh Phangan, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. His academic foundation is rooted in hospitality, holding a bachelor’s degree from Institut Vatel Bordeaux, a well-regarded French hospitality management school.

Arnaud first worked at Anantara Chiang Mai in 2015 as the Food & Beverage Manager. His familiarity with the property and its clientele uniquely positions him to lead it once again — this time with a broader strategic lens.

In 2022, Arnaud moved to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, initially as Resort Manager and quickly rising to General Manager. His impact at the resort was transformative. Under his stewardship, the resort introduced the Canopy Tree Top Dining Experience, an immersive dining concept offering panoramic jungle views. He also launched Samsarn, a fine-dining restaurant showcasing the tri-border culinary heritage of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Furthermore, he pioneered the Mekong Explorer Tents, luxury glamping accommodations that blend adventure with Anantara’s signature style.

In recognition of his leadership, Arnaud was awarded General Manager of the Year – Asia at the 2024 Minor Awards of Excellence, a prestigious internal accolade that honors top performers across the global hotel group.

His expanded role as Cluster General Manager symbolizes Minor Hotels’ commitment to leveraging talent across its network while ensuring synergy between its properties in the region.

Jean-Marc Pougnet Promoted to General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle

The second major appointment announced by Minor Hotels is the promotion of Jean-Marc Pougnet to General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, a move that also marks a homecoming for him.

Jean-Marc, a Mauritian national, brings more than a decade of international hospitality experience spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia. He holds advanced degrees in International Hotel and Tourism Management from Ulster University (Northern Ireland) and HTMi Switzerland — both respected institutions in global hospitality education.

Jean-Marc initially moved to Thailand in 2013 and joined the Anantara brand in 2018 as Food & Beverage Manager at Anantara Golden Triangle. His contributions led to a swift promotion to Director of Food & Beverage. His work laid the foundation for enhanced culinary operations and elevated guest engagement.

In 2021, Jean-Marc relocated to Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, another Minor Hotels property, where he was instrumental in the pre-opening phase of the 327-key resort. As Resort Manager, he led a team of more than 300, creating a culture of excellence and operational efficiency in one of southern Thailand’s most competitive beach destinations.

His return to Anantara Golden Triangle in a top leadership position marks not only a professional milestone but also a continuation of the resort’s upward trajectory. Known for its ethical elephant sanctuary and expansive hilltop views of the Golden Triangle — the area where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge — the resort is a beacon for responsible tourism and luxury conservation.

Corporate Endorsement and Future Vision

Nicholas Smith, Vice President of Operations for Asia at Minor Hotels, emphasized the importance of these leadership changes in a formal statement:

“People are at the heart of everything we do at Minor Hotels. Arnaud and Jean-Marc have demonstrated outstanding dedication to delivering what matters most to our guests. Their career progressions underscore Minor Hotels’ commitment to providing meaningful growth opportunities across the organization. We look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make as they lead our northern Thailand resorts into an exciting new chapter.”

Smith’s remarks highlight Minor Hotels’ approach to internal talent development, a key pillar in their operational strategy across Asia. Both appointments showcase the brand’s dedication to nurturing talent within the organization and aligning leadership with the unique needs and potential of each property.

Minor Hotels in Thailand: A Strategic Focus

Thailand continues to be a cornerstone market for Minor Hotels. As per data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country welcomed over 30 million tourists annually pre-pandemic and is well on its way to recovery in 2025, with northern provinces like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai drawing increased attention due to their natural beauty, cooler climates, and cultural heritage.

The Anantara brand, under Minor Hotels, plays a key role in supporting Thailand’s high-value, low-impact tourism model — offering luxury experiences rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and local immersion.

About Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, connecting them to genuine places, people, and stories through personal experiences and world-class service. Founded in 2001 in Thailand, Anantara now operates over 40 hotels and resorts globally, including properties in Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Africa, and Europe.

Anantara’s presence in Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle reinforces the brand’s ethos of immersive, culturally enriched, and environmentally responsible travel — something both Arnaud Béril and Jean-Marc Pougnet are well-suited to lead into the future.

Conclusion

With the appointment of Arnaud Béril as Cluster General Manager and Jean-Marc Pougnet as General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle, Minor Hotels has solidified a new chapter of strategic leadership for its flagship northern Thailand resorts.

These changes reflect the brand’s long-term vision for regional growth, talent development, and operational excellence.

As international travel continues to rebound, the group’s focus remains on curating exceptional, sustainable experiences for discerning travellers from around the globe.

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