Herve Humler, one of the original founders of The Ritz-Carlton in 1983, has been named Ritz-Carlton's President and COO.

Speculation of Simon Cooper's assumed exit from the Ritz-Carlton company sent shock-waves through the Internet yesterday, but the real story makes sense: Simon Cooper, Ritz-Carlton's president and COO for 9 years, has been named President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, for Marriott International. Hardly a surprise to those of us who know the hotelier's passion for the Asia market.

Both leadership changes are effective Sept. 1, and both come with an enormous amount of excitement, and of course, piqued interest, for both hotel brands.

Humler will oversee 73 Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean, and will be at the forefront of opening more than 30 new hotel and residential projects currently underway with Ritz-Carlton.

Cooper will be responsible for leading the growth of Marriott International's Asia market, which includes more than 130 properties and 70 hotels. Cooper's leadership helped expand the hotel's vast international presence, and helped Ritz-Carlton beat out its rival Four Seasons in recent JD Power report, in which the hotel was given the highest ranking for "luxury hotels".

What does this mean for hotel guests? Only time will tell, but we'll be sure to update you as soon as we have more information.

Filed under: Asia, North America, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel