David Townend, a 25-year golf industry veteran, is launching a new management company that will be based in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia.
Townend previously worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, IMG and Troon Golf, the latter where he was in-charge of business development and operations for the Asia Pacific region.
His new company, Azalea Hospitality, will be a full-service golf and leisure management and consulting company.
“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,” Townend said. “The golf and leisure industry needs 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 focus on providing management and consulting services to developers and owners throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Townend 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 World’s Best New Golf Course.