Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, has appointed Karim von Alvensleben as General Manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, ahead of the hotel's anticipated opening in Q2 2026.
Karim joins the brand with a strong track record across some of the world's most respected hospitality names, bringing deep expertise in pre-openings, luxury operations and brand-led performance. A graduate of Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, he has led four major pre-openings and held senior leadership roles with operators including Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Wynn, Regent, One&Only and Six Senses.
Swiss and Brazilian by nationality, Karim grew up across Africa and has lived and worked globally, shaping a leadership style rooted in cultural fluency and operational rigour. Fluent in five languages English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese he is recognised for building high-performing teams, delivering award-winning guest experiences and steering complex properties through launch and scale-up phases.
In his new role, Karim will oversee the pre-opening and launch of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, a 197-room hotel set to introduce Avani's premium lifestyle positioning to the heart of the Lao capital. His focus will span brand activation, talent development, operational excellence and positioning the hotel as a key social and hospitality hub for both international travellers and the local community.
This appointment underlines Avani's continued investment in experienced leadership to support its growth in emerging and culturally rich destinations across Asia.
Avani's 2026 growth pipeline includes a series of strategically timed openings across Asia, Australia and the Middle East, further strengthening the brand's footprint in high-demand lifestyle destinations. Highlights include Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane and Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel in Q2 2026, followed by new additions in Australia and New Zealand with Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, Avani Wollongong and Avani Queenstown all set to open this year, alongside Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort opening in late 2026.
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