Jack Tan
Currently the Principal Consultant at IdeaWeaver Consulting, Jack is a technology and marketing strategist with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Middlesex University in London. With over 30 years of experiences from hotel operations and technology, to strategic branding and marketing with esteemed brands such as the Hilton International, InterContinental Hotels Group and Solare Hotels and Resorts in locations including London, Atlanta and Tokyo.
His expertise culminated from having an early career in hotel operations, technology and marketing which led to roles of Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
From the beginnings of hotel operations and technology, Jack has developed extensive knowledge in the best practices on an international level. His affinity for technological development and trends utilized in the operations has successfully assisted hotels with tailor-made solutions, yielding optimized results.
Complemented with his passion in travel, he has a holistic understanding of cultures in their respective environments – vital in the makings of any hotel business whether it is a luxury brand or budget establishment – aiming to provide a great guest experience, wherever it may be on the map.
Having such a vantage point, Jack is accomplished in strategic planning, design and implementation of smart applications. Being highly analytical of data, he provides solutions that are both creative and innovative.
As a key player in the hotel industry, Jack has been invited to share his knowledge at various events related to hospitality, technology, and travel. He was a panelist at Travel Massive KL; Web in Travel (WIT) Singapore, Japan and Indonesia; and HTNG Asia-Pacific Conference in Bali. He also spoke at the Singapore Institute of Technology on how the Internet of Things (IoT) would be relevant in the hotel and travel sector. He had moderated at Echelon Malaysia on how technology changed the hotel industry, and how Malaysian hoteliers were adapting to the dynamic market which is increasingly complex and competitive.
Philippe Schwartz
Philippe is a genuine hospitality professional, having spent his entire career in the industry. His international experience spans around the world, having worked on all continents. Philippe has worked with Hilton, IHG and boutique companies in finance and operations, from hotel to regional roles and CFO.
Philippe’s experience ranges across many business models; managed, franchised, to partially and wholly-owned hotel properties, joint ventures, Food & Beverage venues and real estate.
A creative systems thinker and problem-solver, he develops profitable and sustainable business models with a thorough understanding of local challenges, labour laws and realities of living and working in various countries.
His international experience, proven track record in business management provides an edge when dealing with owners, owners’ representatives, corporate board members, country officials, local state authorities and various other government and financial institutions. Outside of work, Philippe enjoys travelling and exploring new destinations.
