Duncan Palmer is a renowned and world class hotelier who has spent more than 40 years working in iconic luxury hotels around the world. Most recently the Managing Director of The Beaumont in Mayfair, London, where he was responsible for the re-opening after a major renovation and oversaw a three-year extension process, he has previously worked for iconic hotels including The Langham, The Connaught, The Savoy and the Mandarin Oriental. Duncan graduated from Westminster College in 1980 and joined The Dubai International as a graduate trainee, covering housekeeping, front office, stewarding and food and beverages. He then spent 12 years working for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in their hotels in Macau, Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta, before returning to London in 1995 to take over as General Manager of The Savoy and then The Connaught between 1998 and 2002. After another stint in Bangkok, Duncan joined The Langham Group, managing hotels in London and Hong Kong before assuming the role of Regional Director of Operations, Indonesia and then Regional Vice President, Europe. He served as Vice President of Design for the Langham Group worldwide between 2009 and 2012 while working as Managing Director of The Langham, Hong Kong. After leaving The Langham Group, Duncan was Managing Director of The Murray in Hong Kong for three years before moving to The Beaumont. Duncan has won countless professional awards throughout his career and his hotels have been commended among the world’s best places to stay. He has completed a Management Development Programme at Harvard Business School and is recognised not only for his commitment to service but also his strategic vision, team leadership and understanding of real estate ownership. In his spare time, Duncan enjoys travelling, eating in remarkable restaurants and collecting wine. He is also a keen golfer and tennis player.
