COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – As​ the ​Galle Face Hotel gets set to embark on its 153rd year, Louis T Collection​ ​has appointed an industry veteran to lead the heritage property into the next era.

Deni A. Dukic, an American national, joined the team as general manager last month. The​ seasoned hotelier ​​has more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry, having held a number of senior management roles in 5-star hotels around the world, including director of rooms at Andaz Wall Street in New York City and as part of the opening team for the Park Hyatt Istanbul. Most recently he was executive assistant manager and rooms specialist – ASPAC (Asia Pacific) at Grand Hyatt Seoul from 2012 – 2016.

“When guests stay at ​​the Galle Face Hotel they become part of its story,” said Sanjeev Gardiner, chairman and owner of the Galle Face Hotel Group. “In appointing a new GM, we needed someone who could embrace the hotel’s epic past while also moving the story along into the next generation. With his wide-reaching experience and fine eye for detail, we found that in Deni.”

Founded in 1864, the Galle Face Hotel is a proud part of Sri Lanka´s illustrious history. Royals, statesmen and stars from across the world have stayed at the property from Queen ​​Eugénie de Montijo (wife of Napoleon III) to ​​Emperor Hirohito of Japan, and Mark Twain to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

“The team and I will ensure we maintain our position as one of the world’s leading hotels, famous for gracious hospitality,” said Dukic. “By blending elements of the past and present, we will continue to build upon the legacy of the Galle Face Hotel.”

The Galle Face Hotel Group is a Sri Lankan-based hotel company led by a prominent voice in Sri Lankan tourism, Sanjeev Gardiner. Louis T Collection is an international hospitality management and building solutions company. The two companies entered into a strategic partnership in June this year.