Tony Podesta

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Asian Coast Development Ltd (ACDL), developer of Grand Ho Tram resort and Bluffs gold course, has announced the appointment of Tony Podesta and Loretta Pickus to its board of directors.

The two independent board members are expected to bring half a century of experience in the hospitality industry and government affairs.

Executive Chairman and CEO of ACDL Michael Kelly said "In the first weeks of Tony and Loretta's appointment, we have already seen them bring to the table a depth and breadth of experience and understanding, which will help drive our business forward in the years to come."

The appointment of Tony Podesta, a long-time friend and advocate for the government of Viet Nam in the United States, underscores ACDL's intention to strengthen its partnership with Viet Nam and forge stronger Viet Nam-US relations.

With his extensive background, Podesta will bring considerable support to the largest private US investment project in Viet Nam, with over US$1 billion in deployed and committed capital.

Pickus brings a quarter century of experience in hospitality, strategic planning and legal affairs to ACDL. Most notably, she served as vice president of Trump Entertainment Resorts, managing 8,500 employees and ensuring the company's compliance with complex regulatory environments around the world.

Pickus' experience will be a particularly important asset as Viet Nam takes steps to boost the country's tourism industry and reform its legal framework pertaining to integrated resorts.

Pickus and Podesta replace outgoing board members Bill Thompson and Byron Sproule on the seven-person board chaired by Kelly, both of whom have stepped down to pursue other opportunities. – VNS