Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, operators of Riyadh's prestigious Al Faisaliah Hotel, have announced the appointment of a new regional vice president.

Alphy Johnson, who has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality trade with almost 10 of them with Rosewood, will take up his new role later this month, the hotel group said.

Johnson will have responsibility for the group's operations in the Middle East, it said.

"I have been very lucky to have worked all over the world during my 30 years as an international hotelier and am thrilled at the prospect of starting this new role in the Middle East," said Johnson.

"The Al Faisaliah Hotel is a flagship Rosewood property that has become the benchmark for hotel standards throughout the region and I look forward to carrying the name Rosewood to even greater heights during my time here."

Johnson has previously worked throughout the US and Asia-Pacific and in 1997 was appointed the first vice president - rooms by Rosewood.

He is married with two children.