Industry stalwart David Townend launches Azalea Hospitality
Azalea Hospitality introduces a fresh new approach for leisure developers and owners.
Azalea Hospitality is a new full-service golf and leisure management and consulting company that will provide owners and developers a unique insight in how to maximise their investments in the leisure sector by creating a structure that meets the shifting demands of modern society. The organisations Founder and Managing Director, David Townend is recognised as one of the most prominent industry professionals in Asia Pacific, with experience that spans some of the most iconic developments.
The prime focus we have at Azalea will be on providing exciting and innovative solutions that help our clients best navigate the shifting trends in consumer habits. The golf and leisure industry need to evolve and embrace the initiatives that have already been seen in other hospitality sectors, to yield the required returns. The younger generations taste and preferences have largely been ignored in the development and operations of golf and leisure projects, which is something we see as a great opportunity.
The company will be based in Kuala Lumpur, and will focus on providing management and consulting services to developers and owners throughout the Asia Pacific region. With extensive knowledge and heritage, Azalea Hospitality is expected to attract interest from golf and resort related projects, but will also provide a comprehensive service across all hospitality assets, to create the most impactful roadmap for its clientele.
“As a hospitality focused organisation we do not believe in compromises, but the need to promote a distinctive style and appeal to establish value-for-money, and memorable experiences”, continued Townend.
“Consumers have a great range of choice as to how they spend their time and money, yet gravitate toward experiences that are rich in vibrancy and attitude. Azalea Hospitality will be outlining the need for golf and leisure clubs to become venues to hang-out with friends, whether it be for work, rest or play, driving footfall and stable revenues.”
Prior to establishing Azalea Hospitality, Townend spent the past 25 years in Asia working with international hospitality management firms, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts, IMG and Troon Golf, the latter where he was in-charge of business development and operations for the Asia Pacific region. During this time he has been acclaimed for establishing several iconic properties, and was instrumental in developing and hosting major professional golf tournaments, including the WGC HSBC Champions, at Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai, China.
Most recently, David held the position of Senior Vice President for the Malaysian governments sovereign wealth funded, Khazanah Nasional owned Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, where he spearheaded the development and opening of the Els Club Teluk Datai and the Els Club Desaru Coast, the former winning multiple global accolades at the World Golf Awards, including Worlds Best New Golf Course.
