In the latest episode of '5 Star Conversations,' Brendon Granger speaks with Gavin Faull, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry. Gavin's extensive background includes 40 years in hotel management, operations, and corporate development with prestigious groups like the Peninsula Group in Hong Kong, Kingsgate International, and Swiss-Belhotel International. As a Chartered Accountant and a fellow of multiple esteemed accounting institutes, Gavin's expertise extends beyond hospitality into various fields, including agriculture and education. His impressive achievements include founding the International Hotel School in Plymouth, the top hotel school in New Zealand, and contributing to hotel education in Australia, China, and Cambodia. Gavin shares his journey into the hotel industry, which began in 1975 with the Peninsula Group in Hong Kong, where he was the only non-Swiss, non-German member of the executive team. He later joined Kingsgate Corporation and helped establish Swiss-Belhotel International. Gavin's dedication and willingness to work without pay initially led to the company's growth, and today, Swiss-Belhotel boasts around 135 hotels, with plans to expand to 250 by 2025. His sons have joined the family business, reflecting the strong familial bond and commitment to the industry. Throughout the conversation, Gavin emphasises the importance of people in the hospitality industry. He shares insightful anecdotes, including the revelation that the most critical employees at the Peninsula Group were the drivers of the Rolls Royce, who left lasting impressions on guests. Gavin stresses that the personal touch in hospitality is irreplaceable, despite technological advancements. He advocates for a balanced approach, where technology enhances but does not replace human interaction. Gavin's philosophy of always striving for improvement and his belief in the value of continued learning and people skills resonate deeply, offering valuable lessons for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry. #HospitalityIndustry #GuestExperience #FutureOfHospitality #InnovationInHospitality #CareerAdvice Bio - Gavin M. Faull, JP B.C.A., F.C.A. (ANZ), F.C.P.A. (HK), F.C.P.A. (Australia), CFInstD Chairman and President Executive Director Swiss-Belhotel International SUMMARY - Fellow Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA, ANZ) - Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) - Fellow Member of Certified Public Accountants Aust (FCPA) - Fellow of Institute of Directors and Certified Director of Institute of Directors. - New Zealand Justice of the Peace (J.P.) - Business graduate from Victoria University, Wellington, NZ (B.C.A.) - 40 years’ experience in hotel management, operations, corporate development with The Peninsula Group, Kingsgate International & Swiss-Belhotel International - Former Chief Executive of Kingsgate International Corporation Limited - Director & investor in several private agricultural, property, management and consulting companies in Aust & NZ - Major shareholder & Managing Director of Faull Farms Limited, 400 hectare, 1,200 cow award winning dairy unit in North Taranaki, NZ - Chairman & President of Swiss-Belhotel International - Venture Taranaki Board trustee for ten years - Descendant of Ngāti Rāhiri hapū, Te Atiawa, Taranaki - Ngāti Rāhiri o Te Atiawa Taranaki Management Committee member - East Taranaki Environment Trust trustee Hotel School - Founded International Hotel School in New Plymouth – top school in NZ - With founders, developed the Blue Mountains Hotel School in Leura, top school in Australia - Developed Hotel School in Canberra - Developed hotel schools in Tianjin & Suzchou, China - Worked with hotel schools in Switzerland - Sponsored & developed charity hotel school in Siem Reap, Cambodia Contact Details Brendon@Technology4hotels.com.au LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendongranger Phone +61 2 8317 4000 www.Technology4Hotels.com.au