Belmond announces key leadership changes in Mexico & South Africa

Belmond has appointed Tiago Sarmento as Area Managing Director, Mexico, effective immediately. Tiago takes the new role after successfully holding the position of Managing Director, Southern Africa and General Manager at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. During Tiago’s time at Mount Nelson, the hotel was recognised in the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, ranking 28 and was also named 2024’s Best Hotel in Africa. Additionally, during his tenure the hotel was awarded a Forbes 5 Star rating in 2023 and 2024.

As part of Mount Nelson’s commitment to fostering creative spaces, the hotel pioneered the annual CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS Fashion Week which spotlights Africa’s most accomplished “slow” fashion designers, fuelling meaningful conversations around sustainable luxury emanating from the continent.

Tiago first joined Belmond in 2016 as General Manager of Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls, he moved on to lead the renovation and strategic opening of Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla. Tiago started his General Manager role at Mount Nelson in 2021 and in 2023 he was promoted with the additional responsibility of Managing Director, Southern Africa for Belmond.

Before joining Belmond, Tiago worked at several high-profile hotels and resorts, including as Hotel Manager at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico and General Manager at
the former W Vieques. In his new role he will take on leadership of the Belmond businesses in the strategically important Mexico market. Tiago will have oversight of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Casa De Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, San Miguel De Allende and any future Belmond projects in Mexico.

Tiago will report to Iain Langridge, Vice President of Global Operations & Divisional Leader for North America, Africa & Asia Pacific. Iain Langridge comments: “Tiago has had a very successful career at Belmond; he is a natural leader whose passion for providing guests with incomparable experiences is renowned and matched by his commercial drive. He has an exemplary track record of leading Belmond teams to new heights, and he will undoubtedly do the same for the Mexico area.”

Tiago Sarmento added: “It has been an honour to have been the steward for Mount Nelson and our safari lodges in Botswana. I am really looking forward to my next role in Mexico, the country is world-famous for its outstanding landscapes, coasts and rich culture. The Belmond hotels in the area are truly iconic, and I will be privileged to work with my colleagues in Mexico.”

Tiago is a Portuguese national who is multilingual and speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Tiago holds a degree in International Hospitality Management from Glion Hotel School.

Patrick Fisher

Also Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, has recently appointed Patrick Fisher as General Manager, effective from 9th June 2025. Patrick Fisher has extensive hospitality experience with over two decades of expertise in luxury hotel and resort management with global brands such as Raffles, One & Only and Sun International.

Most recently, Patrick was the Hotel Manager at Raffles London at The OWO, where he oversaw this landmark property and ensured exemplary guest experiences in one of the city’s most prestigious settings. Before this, Patrick held senior roles at Raffles Hotel Singapore, where he was integral in maintaining the hotel’s renowned standards of elegance.

Patrick looks forward to returning to Mount Nelson, where he worked as the Pool Manager in 2004 and then in various F&B roles. He started his leadership career at the Lord Charles in Somerset West, Cape Town, where he built his reputation for operational excellence.

Patrick will be leading the team at Mount Nelson, with a focus on taking the guest experience to new heights and building on Mount Nelson’s global reputation as being the leading luxury hotel on the African continent.

In his new position, Patrick will report to Iain Langridge, Vice President Global Operations and Divisional Leader for North America, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Iain Langridge comments: “We are looking forward to welcoming Patrick back to the Belmond team. His leadership experience will be instrumental in creating incomparable experiences through the lens of Slow Luxury for our guests. Mount Nelson, is a deeply unique property that will undoubtedly go from strength to strength under Patrick’s stewardship.”

Patrick Fisher stated: “I am excited to be given the chance to write Mount Nelson’s next chapter. The hotel has been a legendary icon ever since it opened 125 years ago, and I look forward to returning to work with the team and giving guests the opportunity to discover a new pace of travel in the incredible city of Cape Town.”

The article Belmond announces key leadership changes in Mexico & South Africa first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.