Dieter Ruckenbauer appointed general manager of Phuket Marriott resort

Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach has appointed Dieter Ruckenbauer as its new general manager, the resort announced on 22 October 2026.

Ruckenbauer will oversee the resort’s operations and long-term direction, with priorities including guest experiences, staff development and stronger links with the natural environment and communities around Nai Yang Beach.

He brings more than 30 years of experience with Marriott. He began with the group in 1996 as a management trainee in Salt Lake City, United States, and worked across rooms, food and beverage and accounting before moving into culinary leadership. He later became executive chef at JW Marriott Bangkok.

Ruckenbauer moved into hotel management in 2010 as hotel manager at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza. He subsequently joined the pre-opening team at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. In 2018, he became general manager for the first time at Wana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, before moving to Le Méridien Bangkok, where he oversaw a multi-million-dollar renovation and repositioning project.

At the Nai Yang resort, Ruckenbauer said he planned to work with the culinary team to highlight Phuket flavours in the property’s restaurants and bars. The resort said this would include ingredients from the local fishing community around Ching Pla market, farmers in Thalang district and producers in Sakhu.

The resort is located on Nai Yang Beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea and near Sirinat National Park. Ruckenbauer said its beachfront setting, committed staff and Thai-style hospitality gave it potential as a destination for leisure, meetings and dining.

He also plans to develop partnerships involving local products, cultural experiences, environmental activities and projects intended to benefit residents and visitors. Staff development will be another focus, including opportunities for employees to learn new skills and progress within Marriott International.

Outside work, Ruckenbauer enjoys running, cycling, skiing and climbing. He also supports local artists and has an interest in classical music.