Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International)

Company Overview:

The company is a distinguished conglomerate headquartered in Beijing, recognized for its expansive portfolio in hospitality, lifestyle apparel, and manufacturing. With a legacy of excellence, the company is committed to delivering unparalleled luxury, innovation, and sustainability through its ultra-luxury brands, lifestyle hotels, serviced apartments, and tertiary student hostels. Operating across key international markets, particularly within the Belt & Road countries, the company's properties are strategically positioned to provide exceptional experiences to travellers, business professionals, and students.

Leaders in the company takes immense pride in its diverse and inclusive workforce, comprising over 54 nationalities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and a broad perspective, enabling the company to meet the varied needs of its global clientele. Innovation is the cornerstone of its operations, driving the integration of cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and personalized services that enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the eco-friendly practices implemented across its portfolio, ensuring minimal environmental impact while delivering exceptional value to guests and stakeholders.

It also places a strong emphasis on talent development, investing in continuous learning opportunities, leadership programs, and a supportive work environment that fosters growth and advancement among its employees. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, it seeks a visionary leader to join its executive team and drive its international hospitality operations to new heights.

Position Overview:

The Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) is a pivotal executive role dedicated to driving the end-to-end guest experience and spearheading service innovation across the company’s international hospitality portfolio. This position is integral to the strategic growth and operational excellence of the company’s luxury hotels, lifestyle properties, serviced apartments, and tertiary student hostels globally, particularly within the Belt & Road countries.

Reporting directly to the CEO and with a dotted line to the President (International), the Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) will be responsible for crafting and executing strategies that not only elevate the company’s global brand presence but also redefine the guest experience at every touchpoint. The role demands a visionary leader who can seamlessly blend the company’s tradition of luxury with cutting-edge service innovations, ensuring that each property delivers unparalleled experiences tailored to the needs and expectations of a diverse global clientele.

The incumbent will lead a holistic approach to guest experience management, encompassing everything from initial booking and check-in processes to personalized in-stay services and post-departure engagement. This executive will drive initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction, foster loyalty, and set new benchmarks for service excellence in the hospitality industry. By leveraging data analytics, customer insights, and the latest technology, the Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) will ensure that the company’s properties remain at the forefront of guest experience trends and innovations.

In addition to overseeing the guest experience, this role involves a strong focus on service innovation.

The Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) will be tasked with identifying and implementing new service concepts, technologies, and operational practices that enhance efficiency, elevate the guest experience, and differentiate the company’s offerings in a competitive global market. This includes integrating sustainable practices into service delivery, ensuring that the company’s commitment to eco-friendly operations is reflected in every aspect of the guest experience.

Moreover, the Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) will play a key role in the company’s global marketing strategy, particularly in positioning the company’s brands as leaders in service innovation and luxury hospitality. By developing and executing targeted marketing campaigns, this executive will enhance brand recognition, drive customer engagement, and expand the company’s market share in key international regions.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience Management

The incumbent will lead a holistic approach to guest experience management, encompassing everything from initial booking and check-in processes to personalized in-stay services and post-departure engagement. This executive will drive initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction, foster loyalty, and set new benchmarks for service excellence in the hospitality industry. By leveraging data analytics, customer insights, and the latest technology, the Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) will ensure that the company’s properties remain at the forefront of guest experience trends and innovations.

Service Innovation

In addition to overseeing the guest experience, this role involves a strong focus on service innovation. The Deputy CEO / Chief Hospitality Officer (International) will be tasked with identifying and implementing new service concepts, technologies, and operational practices that enhance efficiency, elevate the guest experience, and differentiate the company’s offerings in a competitive global market. This includes integrating sustainable practices into service delivery, ensuring that the company’s commitment to eco-friendly operations is reflected in every aspect of the guest experience.

International Expansion and Marketing Strategy

Collaborate with the CEO and President (International) to develop and execute the company’s international expansion and marketing strategy, aligning with corporate goals and vision. Lead the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans for the company’s international hospitality and marketing portfolio, focusing on market penetration, brand positioning, and operational efficiency. Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, including potential acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures, to enhance the company’s global footprint.

Brand Management

Strengthen and expand the company’s luxury hospitality brands in key international markets, ensuring consistent brand messaging and positioning. Lead the development of marketing and sales strategies to increase brand visibility, customer engagement, and market share globally. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including industry leaders, partners, and customers, to enhance brand reputation and drive business growth.

Sustainability and Innovation

Champion the company’s commitment to sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices across all international properties, in line with global standards and regulations. Drive innovation in hospitality services and product offerings, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of industry trends and meets the evolving needs of global travelers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, marketing, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) highly desirable.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles within luxury hotel or resort chains.
• Proven track record of successfully leading international operations and expanding hospitality brands in global markets, particularly in the Belt & Road countries.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, and operational excellence in a multinational context.
• Demonstrated experience in driving innovation, sustainability initiatives, and customer-centric practices in the hospitality industry.
• Strong background in international marketing, with a proven ability to develop and implement effective global marketing strategies.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse, multicultural team.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Deep understanding of global hospitality and marketing trends, market dynamics, and the competitive landscape.
• Ability to navigate complex challenges in a fast-paced and dynamic global environment.