Asian hospitality group Dusit International has named Suphajee Suthumpun group chief executive officer, the third group CEO in the company’s 67-year history and the first to be named from outside of the founding family.

Suthumpun, previously the chief executive officer of Thaicom, succeeds Chanin Donavanik, now vice chair and chair of the executive committee. Suthumpun will build on the momentum created by Donavanik, while further strengthening the foundations for the company's continued growth, the company said. She has set a long-term vision emphasising human capital development, technological advancement and strategic management of the company.

In addition to further developing the brand's portfolio of international hotels and resorts, Suthumpun will also support the growth of Dusit's additional business units, namely in the property development and hospitality education sectors.

Dusit International owns and operates the Dusit Thani College, a private educational institution offering culinary and hospitality management programmes in partnership with the École Hôtelière de Lausanne; the Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, a joint venture partnership with the renowned Paris-based institute; and the recently launched Dusit Thani Hotel School, Thailand's first "paperless" hospitality school based on ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals.

"It is an exciting time to join Dusit International, and I am honoured to be entrusted with the leadership of such a significant organisation in Thailand's tourism history," said Suthumpun. "I am confident that with the support of the team, we can continue to build on the company's founding legacy of bringing gracious Thai hospitality to the world."

Dusit International currently has 26 properties in operation, with more than 40 projects confirmed in the development pipeline in locations such as Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Most recently, the group launched the Dusit Thani Guam Resort, and plans to open hotels in Khao Yai, Thailand; Shanghai, China and a second Dubai property in 2016.