Minor Hotels Appoints Nicholas Smith as Vice President of Operations in Asia Amid Major Regional Growth Plans

Minor Hotels, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups with a portfolio of more than 560 hotels and resorts in 58 countries, has announced the appointment of Nicholas Smith as Vice President of Operations for Asia. This move signals a decisive step toward accelerating the company’s growth in one of its key markets.

Smith’s appointment coincides with the group’s ambitious strategy to open over 100 new properties across Asia by 2027. The company, owned by Minor International, has consistently emphasized Asia as a critical region for development and brand reinforcement.

Veteran Hospitality Leader Joins at Pivotal Time

Nicholas Smith joins Minor Hotels with more than 25 years of international experience in the hospitality sector, having served in diverse senior roles across Asia, Europe, and North America. He began his career in the food and beverage departments of prestigious hotel brands such as the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Savoy Group in the United Kingdom and the United States.

He is best known for his 15-year tenure at the Shangri-La Group, one of Asia’s most prominent luxury hospitality brands. He started as a Food & Beverage Manager in Malaysia in 2008 and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually holding senior leadership positions in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Malaysia. His roles included General Manager of Shangri-La and Kerry Hotels, where he played a key role in operational turnaround and brand alignment.

Most recently, Smith served as Vice President of Food & Beverage and Operations for the Middle East, India, Indian Ocean, Europe, and the Americas (MEIA), overseeing the performance of 17 luxury properties and reporting directly to corporate executives on strategy, operations, and regional performance metrics.

Experience in Launching New Hospitality Destinations

Beyond managing existing hotel portfolios, Smith has led several groundbreaking hospitality launches. Notably, he was instrumental in the development and launch of Sindalah Island, the first luxury island and yacht club destination of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project. His work there earned industry acclaim and demonstrated his expertise in pioneering high-end travel experiences in emerging destinations.

This extensive experience in hospitality development and operations uniquely positions Smith to take on a leadership role at Minor Hotels as it enters a rapid phase of expansion.

New Responsibilities as VP of Asia Operations

As Vice President of Operations for Asia, Smith will be responsible for:

• Overseeing hotel operations across the region, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Japan, and India.
• Mentoring a diverse team of regional managers, general managers, and operational leads.
• Driving operational excellence, brand consistency, and financial performance.
• Supporting the launch of over 100 new properties planned between now and the end of 2027.

Smith’s appointment reflects Minor Hotels’ commitment to developing long-term leadership to handle scale, complexity, and performance-driven growth in Asia’s fast-paced markets.

CEO Statement: A Strategic Appointment

Group CEO of Minor International, Dillip Rajakarier, stated:

“We are delighted to welcome Nicholas to Minor Hotels at such a pivotal time in our journey. As a seasoned hospitality professional with a proven track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences, Nicholas brings invaluable expertise to our operations. Asia is a focal region for our growth, with more than 100 additional properties targeted across the continent by the end of 2027. His leadership will drive operational excellence and support our ambitious expansion plans.”

This public statement underscores the strategic importance Minor Hotels places on operational leadership during a phase of major expansion.

Asia as a Growth Epicenter for Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels’ aggressive growth plan for Asia forms part of a broader global development strategy outlined in 2023. According to the company’s roadmap, the group is on track to surpass 850 properties by 2027, up from its current portfolio of 560.

Asia accounts for approximately 30% of Minor Hotels’ existing properties, but that figure is expected to rise significantly as the group adds over 100 more hotels in the region. These properties will span luxury and upscale segments, including brands like:

• Anantara – known for experiential luxury resorts.
• Avani – targeting urban millennials and upscale markets.
• NH Hotels and NH Collection – European imports tailored for Asian cities.
• Tivoli – entering Southeast Asia with stylish, full-service offerings.

Countries where major developments are underway or planned include Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, and China, reflecting rising travel demand, urbanization, and strong inbound tourism markets.

The Role of Minor International

Minor Hotels operates under Minor International PCL, a Thai multinational company with interests in hospitality, food service, and lifestyle retail. The parent company is publicly listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and is widely considered one of Asia’s most influential leisure sector players.

Minor International’s global operations include over 2,500 restaurants (under brands like The Pizza Company and Swensen’s), lifestyle fashion outlets, and hotel holdings. Its hospitality arm, Minor Hotels, has become the group’s flagship for global expansion and brand equity.

As part of Thailand’s contribution to global tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports regularly cites Minor Hotels as a major private-sector partner in promoting sustainable tourism and luxury hospitality in the Asia-Pacific region.

Commitment to Sustainability and Guest Experience

Nicholas Smith’s arrival is also expected to bolster Minor Hotels’ environmental and sustainability initiatives. The company has made sustainability one of its operational pillars, with goals tied to carbon reduction, eco-certifications, and community engagement.

Under Smith’s leadership, the group is expected to integrate eco-conscious practices into its expanding operations, particularly in nature-based destinations across Asia where environmental impact is a key concern for regulators and consumers.

A Personal Journey Rooted in Hospitality

Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Catering Management from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. As a British national, his career has seen a steady rise from culinary and food & beverage roles to high-level leadership in globally respected hospitality groups.

His leadership philosophy emphasizes team development, guest satisfaction, and data-driven operational improvements—all of which align closely with Minor Hotels’ brand ethos.

Conclusion

The appointment of Nicholas Smith as Vice President of Operations for Asia represents a critical strategic investment for Minor Hotels as it seeks to rapidly expand its footprint across one of the world’s most competitive and opportunity-rich regions.

Smith’s wealth of experience, strategic insight, and proven operational leadership make him well-suited to lead Minor Hotels’ Asian operations at a time when travel demand is rebounding and hospitality innovation is crucial.

With the company on pace to reach 850 properties globally and more than 100 new openings planned for Asia alone, Smith’s guidance will be instrumental in shaping the future of Minor Hotels in the region—and perhaps globally.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/minor-hotels-appoints-nicholas-smith-as-vice-president-of-operations-in-asia-amid-major-regional-growth-plans/