Joseph Sampermans, currently Hotel Manager at The Peninsula Hong Kong, has been appointed GM of The Peninsula Beijing.

The appointment follows the retirement of The Peninsula Beijing's Donald J. Harrington, with Mr Sampermans taking up his new role from October.

Mr Harrington was GM at The Peninsula Beijing for 12 years, and HongKong and Shanghai Hotels chief executive Clement K.M. Kwok paid tribute to him for leading the hotel through "some significant challenges and dynamic times.

"These include SARS, a major renovation, a hotel rebranding and the 2008 Olympic Games," Mr Kwok said.

"Through it all, The Peninsula Beijing has been able to retain its premier position in the Chinese capital."

New GM Joseph Sampermans joined HSH as Director of Food and Beverage at The Peninsula Bangkok. He transferred to Hong Kong in 2010.