About Me
After graduating from the University of Queensland with an honours degree in Business (Hospitality Management), Denis has been in the hospitality, travel and service industry for more than 20 years. Currently the CEO of KidZania Bangkok, he aims for their attraction to continue being the ultimate learning and role-play experience for children, to be a top destination for kids, to ignite their hearts and minds by empowering them to make the world a better place.
He started his career in catering sales with Hyatt Regency Singapore in 1997 as they re-branded to become Grand Hyatt Singapore. During which, he was awarded Employee of the Year in 1999 and promoted to Associate Director of Business Development (Catering) soon after. To globalize himself, Denis joined Singapore Airlines as a Station Manager for 7 years, where he was posted to Jakarta, Rome, Newark and Beijing. During his stint in the U.S., Newark station was awarded Best Station in their group and Best Catering Station system-wide. He was also a Co-Chairperson of the Newark International Carrier Committee for 2 years while successfully launching the world’s longest commercial flight at the time in June 2004. In preparing for the Beijing Olympics, the station was awarded Most Improved Station in North Asia and received a CEO’s special award for outstanding performance.
Returning to his hotel-roots, Denis joined Shangri-La’s Corporate F&B office in Shanghai, focusing on operations and F&B concepts. Besides providing guidance and operational support for new and opening hotels, he also conducted group-wide Service Quality Audits and Market Feasibility studies for potentially new hotel locations. Other group-wide assignments include corporate mooncake programs, tea programs, wine programs, staff development, executive placements and sommelier development. Following brief periods with KidZania (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and Raffles Town Club in Singapore, he later joined Shanghai Wanye Enterprises Laoximen Real Estate Development for 3 years, working closely with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International in the planning and development of 4 towers of branded residence within a centrally located mixed-use urban development project with a combined GFA of about 245,000 sqm.
Has Spoken At
Wednesday, June 26 2019 | 13:00 PM
Roundtable: Operator Talk
No aspect of the travel industry is facing more challenges and change than tour operating. New technology and shifting traveler demands are compelling tour companies to change what they offer…