SINGAPORE - Catalist-listed International Healthway Corporation announced on Monday that it has appointed Mr Chia Kwok Ping as chief executive officer and executive director with effect from March 2 this year.

Mr Chia will take over from Dr Jong Hee Sen, who will relinquish his executive role as group president and become non-executive chairman on the same day.

As CEO, Mr Chia will provide leadership in continuing the development and expansion of IHC's medical assets and in building IHC's health-care service capabilities, the company said.

Mr Chia has held senior positions in various hospitality and property investment companies. He was the president of TCC Land International (Thailand), a Thailand-based hospitality group with hotel assets spanning the US, United Kingdom, Australia, China, Japan and South-east Asia, and later held directorship in various asset-holding companies of the group.

Said Dr Jong: "Kwok Ping brings with him extensive experience in hospitality, both regionally and globally. His strength and past track record in managing a major service group, in identifying investments and asset enhancement opportunities will be invaluable."

He added: "As a co-founder of IHC, I remain deeply committed to the group, and will focus on the strategic aspect at the board of IHC."