Global hospitality group Minor Hotels announced the appointment of Karim von Alvensleben as general manager of the Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane which is set to open in the second quarter of this year.
Von Alvensleben 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.
In his new role, he 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.
Von Alvensleben’s appointment underlines Avani’s continued investment in experienced leadership to support its growth in emerging and culturally rich destinations across Asia.
Getting to know Karim von Alvensleben
Swiss and Brazilian by nationality, von Alvensleben grew up across Africa and has lived and worked globally, shaping a leadership style rooted in cultural fluency and operational rigour.
A graduate of Ecole Hôtelière 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.
Fluent in five languages English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, he is known for building high-performing teams, delivering award-winning guest experiences and steering complex properties through launch and scale-up phases.
