Jackie Douglas
President
HSMAI APAC
Jackie has the same position in HSMAI APAC as Ingunn Hofseth in Europe and Bob Gilbert in Americas. She looks after the whole region of HSMAI APAC that works as one entity instead of as individual chapters – similar to how HSMAI Region Europe operates.
Q: What does a day at work consist of for you?
A: Well, many different things: it could be travelling, it could working at home in my casual gear, or all dressed up for a HSMAI event.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The best part is working with many generous volunteers and helping people in the Hospitality industry to grow their career, learn from each other, and keep up to date on industry trends.
Q: Do you have anyone you’ve looked up to?
A: I’m so lucky to have worked with many people I’ve looked up to. One that comes to mind, as he is based in London is Ned Booth, who was the SVP Marketing for Travelocity Europe when I worked with him. He was generous with his time, was happy to share knowledge and always flexible and willing to listen to all my ideas!
Q: Do you have any nice traditions at your office?
A: I don’t really have an office, which is a great ‘routine’. I get up and sit on the balcony looking at Sydney Harbour before I start working.
Q: How long have you been a member of HSMAI?
A: 5 years.
Q: What do you think is the best thing about HSMAI?
A: Senior people in the industry giving back to the industry by educating, sharing their knowledge, encouraging their colleagues.
Q: Are there any activities or projects you think HSMAI should start up?
A: Yes, and to that end, Ingunn, Bob and I spoke in depth about them last week at the fantastic HSMAI Region Europe Leadership event in Nice. We will keep pushing ahead and hope to jointly bring you some new membership benefits by the new year. Watch this space!
Q: Describe your perfect weekend.
A: Friends, water view, wine and fresh food.
Q: If you were trapped on a desert island, what would you take with you, if you could choose one thing?
A: A sharp knife.
Q: What is the title of the book about your life?
A: “How did I get here?”
Q: What is your next travel destination?
A: I’m heading to Somerset in England to do some family history with my cousin.
Q: Do you have any special hobbies?
A: Anything sporty and I have a few technology startups that I work on (sort of a hobby)
Q: Thank you for your time. Do you have any personal comments?
A: Thank-you to HSMAI Region Europe for inviting me to the wonderful Leadership event. It was so nice to meet all of your fabulous volunteers and learn what’s different in Europe, and what is the same!
Top photo: From the left: Stefan Wolf, Chair HSMAI Asia Pacific and Senior Vice President Revenue and Distribution, Onyx Hospitality; Jackie Douglas, President, HSMAI APAC; Maunik Thacker, Senior Vice President Marketing, Marina Bay Sands and HSMAI Marketing Advisory Board member