The Big Cheese with John Girard

The Big Cheese with John Girard

We chat with the Hong Kong area general manager for Regal Hotels and gm of Regal Airport Hotel Meeting and Conference Centre.

The great thing about my job is…  I get to be a passionate and devoted international hotelier whose career takes me all over the world; from my native Malta to Indonesia, Malaysia, England, Switzerland, Italy, Kuwait, Dubai, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Guyana (South America) and Australia, Hong Kong.

The challenge for industry is… Having lived and worked in many countries I had to become very flexible and adapt very well to different cultures and customs.

My greatest achievement is… Most importantly, to manage an hotel in achieving its targets and goals, with great understanding of what five-star service really is and belief in ongoing, continuous passionate training.

The biggest thing in MICE this year will be… For Regal Airport Hotel, we are excited as the first airport hotel in Hong Kong to introduce a brand new built-in high-definition LED wall (9m X 4m) at the city’s largest pillar-free grand ballroom in early June.

We expect travellers business or leisure to become more demanding; there will be huge needs for more connectivity and Regal has taken this on board by offering free Wi-Fi for all guests.

Besides, I think customer feedback remains the lifeblood of any service industry& enhancing service delivery, guest satisfaction and to position our hotel to remain guest centric in the future.

I try to relax by… walking my dogs and grooming my cats.

I don’t understand why… people complain about things they can effect positively! It’s a complete waste of time!

My favourite venue is… San Gemignano, in Tuscany.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Antarctica.

I am scared to death of… corrupt politicians and their false promises and lack of transparency.

I can’t live without…good wine!

I really wish I had… spent more time in New Zealand and stayed more than 2 years in Australia!

If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be… Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis and Michelle Pffiefer.

For anyone starting out in the industry one piece of advice I’d give would be …. Have fun! If you are not enjoying it it’s NOT for you!

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • News

Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian

Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!