SAXON ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW GENERAL MANAGER

George Cohen, Managing Director of the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Rutherford as his new General Manager June 2017.

Tom's hospitality career started with a seven-year stint at the Cape Grace Hotel where he gained a strong background in both Guest Relations and Food & Beverage Management. From there he moved to Singita where he managed various lodges within the group. Tom spent seven years with Singita with his last two being General Manager of the Sabi Sand properties – Boulders, Ebony and Castleton. He returns home to Johannesburg with his wide-ranging experience, which will be of strategic importance to the Saxon.

"After seventeen years working in hospitality organizations away from Johannesburg it feels good to be back in my home town and even better knowing I'm joining The Saxon team. The team's commitment over the years to ensuring the ultimate guest experience has seen the hotel be consistently rated one of the best hotels in the world. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this wonderful team and iconic brand." said Tom.

Tom will be joining the dynamic Saxon team in what has been a period of great success and growth for the hotel and the brand. Supported by the passionate current team and guided by Managing Director George Cohen, Tom will ensure that this period of growth continues and that the Saxon remains on the forefront of the Hospitality Industry in South Africa and beyond.

Managing Director George Cohen commented on the appointment: "having decided to restructure our senior team as a part of the greater strategy of repositioning and realigning of the Saxon into even higher luxury; I am delighted to appoint Tom Rutherford as General Manager, capitalizing on his seven years' experience at Singita Game Reserve with its renowned service standards. His appointment will assist in taking the Saxon's offering to the next level, so ensuring that we can continue to strive to the benchmark set by the most exclusive international hospitality brands."

SAXON HOTEL, VILLAS, AND SPA

❖ Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub, The Saxon prides itself on being voted the World's Leading Boutique Hotel since 2001.❖ Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub, The Saxon prides itself on being voted the World's Leading Boutique Hotel since 2001.❖ An all-luxury, 53-suite hotel with six pools, a private library, wine cellar and piano lounge, The Saxon is internationally renowned for their accommodation and dining offerings.❖ Nelson Mandela chose these serene surroundings for editing his best-selling autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.❖ Many discerning travellers, including royalty, statesmen, Nobel prize-winners and best- selling authors have returned time and again to experience the unequalled qualities for which the Saxon has gained worldwide renown.❖ Top-notch chefs create personalized cuisine, complimented by an outstanding selection of wines from award-winning restaurants.❖ Completing the luxurious amenities of Saxon is the spa, consisting of eight treatment rooms, a Turkish Hammam, a steam room, Rasul chamber, spa café and hair studio as well as a modern gym with kinesis equipment.

SHAMBALA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

❖ Shambala Private Game Reserve is situated in the picturesque malaria-free central region of the Waterberg mountain range, only 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, where the climate is sub- tropical and pleasantly temperate for most of the year.❖ Shambala Private Game Reserve is situated in the picturesque malaria-free central region of the Waterberg mountain range, only 2.5 hours from Johannesburg, where the climate is sub- tropical and pleasantly temperate for most of the year.❖ The Tibetan word 'Shambala' means 'Paradise on Earth'. Whether you discover it in the bush, the mountains or the silence; whether you feel it in the air or see it in the magnificent, proud wildlife of this land, your own paradise is here – deep within the heart and soul of Shambala.❖ In this idyllic setting, Shambala Private Game Reserve epitomises Paradise on Earth. Shambala weaves a special web of magic that makes visitors long to return and relive the experience time and again.

Member of 'The Leading Hotels of the World'