The hospitality landscape in Asia continues to thrive, driven by leaders who bring passion, innovation, and resilience to the table. From Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, to Thailand, these industry innovators are not just growing their businesses—they are redefining how hospitality connects with people, technology, and sustainability.
In this feature, we highlight 10 inspiring voices who are making waves across the region. Each of them brings a unique perspective, whether through pioneering new business models, elevating community empowerment, or introducing creative solutions that shape guest experiences. Their journeys reflect the evolving face of hospitality—adaptive, tech-enabled, and human-centered.
Highlights
Dr. Dicky Sumarsono MM., CHA.
With over 26 years in the hospitality sector, Dr. Dicky Sumarsono has continuously championed innovation and excellence. Currently leading Azana Hospitality, one of Indonesia’s most ambitious local hotel chains, he aims to manage 130 hotels by 2026. Moreover, his commitment extends beyond business growth—he is deeply passionate about empowering local communities and strengthening Indonesia’s tourism sector. As a prolific author of several best-selling books on hotel and restaurant business strategies, Dr. Dicky continues to inspire and shape the future of hospitality leadership in the region.
Kahraman Yigit
Kahraman Yigit brings two decades of hands-on experience in real estate and hospitality, mastering every phase from concept development to execution. Now as Co-Founder and CEO of Olive Hospitality, he plays a key role in introducing the Olive Living brand under India’s renowned Embassy Group. Through this venture, he successfully taps into the growing co-living segment, showcasing his forward-thinking approach and entrepreneurial vision in redefining modern living spaces.
Florian Holm
Florian Holm believes deeply in the power of innovation to enhance lives. As the Founder and CEO of Stilt Studios and Grün Resorts, he focuses on sustainable modular prefab housing, blending eco-conscious design with functionality. Beyond creating beautiful living spaces, Florian consistently demonstrates how business can be a force for good, integrating sustainability at the core of his projects.
Indra Gunawan
Indra Gunawan stands out in the hospitality space for his ability to merge technology with modular design. As the CEO of Bobobox, Indonesia’s largest tech-enabled sleeping pods ecosystem, he has redefined affordable, flexible, and accessible accommodation. Furthermore, with notable achievements such as high occupancy rates and strong investor backing, Indra continues to drive innovation in how people experience hospitality.
Kai Zen Au
Passionate about food, hospitality, and people, Kai Zen Au leads Kenny Hills Hospitality Group with a clear focus on quality and growth. Under his leadership, the group has expanded across diverse F&B and hospitality ventures. In addition, his entrepreneurial spirit is evident through his roles at Pickle Park and Kenny Hills Coffee, where he continues to nurture businesses that prioritize exceptional customer experiences.
Sarbendra Sarkar
With over 33 years of hospitality management expertise, Sarbendra Sarkar has earned recognition as a turnaround expert within the industry. As the Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels Group, he has successfully positioned the brand as one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality groups. His strategic planning and operational acumen, coupled with a passion for innovation, have enabled Cygnett to expand rapidly across India, South Asia, and beyond.
Vikram Malhi
Vikram Malhi exemplifies leadership and entrepreneurial excellence through his work at ZUZU Hospitality. As Founder and CEO, he focuses on providing independent hotels with revenue optimization and end-to-end management solutions. Additionally, Vikram’s background in e-commerce and CRM brings a distinctive edge to his approach, helping hotels unlock new levels of performance across the Asian market.
Nikhil Sharma
With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Nikhil Sharma is at the forefront of Radisson Hotel Group’s growth across South Asia. Currently overseeing over 165 hotels in operation and development, he is known for driving operational excellence, nurturing strong partnerships, and enhancing brand engagement. Furthermore, his leadership legacy includes pivotal roles at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Ginger Hotels, making him a respected figure in the regional hospitality landscape.
Niklesh Sharma
Niklesh Sharma has redefined culinary education across Asia through the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts (APCA), which operates seven schools across Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. With 25 years of experience as a professional pastry chef and entrepreneur, he continues to expand learning access through APCA Chef Online, combining hands-on expertise with digital innovation to shape future culinary talents.
Anuj Sharma
With over two decades of experience across some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, Anuj Sharma has built a career defined by global perspective and operational excellence, now leading Marriott International’s hotel development and conversions across Asia Pacific as Vice President, where he continues to blend strategic growth with cultural understanding to create meaningful guest experiences across borders.
A Collective Voice Driving Hospitality Forward
In an industry built on human connection, it is the hearts and minds behind the scenes that make the true difference. These ten leaders remind us that hospitality is not just about rooms, tables, or services — it is about stories, dreams, and the meaningful moments we create for others.
While trends may shift and technologies may evolve, what remains constant is the power of thoughtful leadership, bold ideas, and a genuine desire to make people feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Through their work, these voices are not only reshaping the business of hospitality — they are reimagining how we welcome the world.
Highlights
Read the article in Chinese here.
