Swiss national Christain R Baudat has been appointed as the General Manager of Oakwood Suites Yokohama and Director of Operations for Japan and South Korea.

He comes with extensive hospitality experience, Christian is equipped with over 30 years of global insights acquired during his professional journey across the Middle East, Singapore, Europe and Japan.

Having managed properties under the Hilton brand in Tokyo, Nagoya, Otaru and Fukuoka, he has authoritative expertise in the Japanese market.

Christian joins Oakwood from Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi, where he served as Area Vice President in-charge of sixteen properties in Abu Dhabi, Ai Ain, Oman and Morocco.

His hospitality career began as a Food & Beverage Management Trainee with Hilton Tokyo in 1985.

Christian has made significant contributions to the Japanese hospitality industry and was the General Manager responsible for establishing the iconic Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk as one of Japan’s leading venues for MICE business and wedding in 2010. In 2015, Christian executed ground-breaking commercial strategies during the pre-conversion of Hilton Tokyo Odaiba, resulting in the hotel’s top market share position within two months of operation.

In his new capacity at Oakwood, Christian is responsible for directing corporate initiatives, driving operational excellence and achieving financial performance for fourteen properties across Japan and South Korea.

He will lead Oakwood’s growth strategy by building a robust development pipeline while strengthening the brand presence in these two key markets.