A Word with GHN Advisory Board Member
Current Priorities
In Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group remains focused on Destination 2022, our five-year strategic plan that sets out our road map to step-change the business and radically transform us into one of the top 3 international hotel companies.
In 2019, our primary goals are to drive operational excellence and brand consistency across our portfolio, to uplift guest experience. We have deployed tools to achieve this including sharpened brand identity and standards, and new quality systems and brand programs.
Growth Aspirations
We had a successful first year of “Destination 2022” with 13 hotel openings and 26 new signings in Asia Pacific in 2018. We aim to double the number of hotel rooms in the region by adding 20,000 rooms by 2022.
The Asia Pacific region remains one of the most promising and energetic and is expected to lead the way for growth globally this year. Radisson Hotel Group continues to see very healthy underlying business performance with an upward trajectory. Driven growth in Asia Pacific gains scale and gravitas in the global economy, we see excellent potential across the region.
Radisson Hotel Group’s Asia Pacific expansion strategy continues to focus on the following key markets in 2019: India, China and vibrant destinations such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. We also anticipate growth following the introduction of our new brands Radisson RED and Radisson Collection into these markets.
What to Expect in 2019/20
Last November, Radisson Hotel Group was acquired by a consortium led by Jin Jiang International, a leading international travel and hospitality company that is also ranked as the second largest hotel company in the world.
This is an incredible milestone in our company’s history and should elevate Radisson Hotel Group to a new level of strength. Jin Jiang International, along with its subsidiaries, including Radisson Hotel Group, have approximately 12,000 hotels, over 1.3 million rooms in operation and under development and 150 million members in their combined loyalty programs.
Here in Asia Pacific, we have 217 hotels in operation and under development and we are planning to introduce the Radisson RED brand to China and India in the next 12 months.
About Katerina Giannouka
Katerina Giannouka is President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group and is also a member of Radisson Hotel Group’s Executive Leadership Committee where she works in partnership with the global and Asia Pacific leadership teams to drive success and growth for Radisson Hotel Group.
In her role, she is responsible for leading the Group’s Asia Pacific executive committee and its corporate offices in Singapore, Shanghai and Delhi. A dedicated hospitality professional, Katerina will propel the strategic growth of Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion models and underlying business operations. In Asia Pacific, the Group’s brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.
A dynamic and passionate individual, Katerina brings with her over 17 years of combined experience in development, transactions, asset management, advisory, and operations spanning across some 35 countries. Her leadership experience and expertise includes delivering excellent traction for owners’ return on investment and accelerating growth.
Prior to joining Radisson Hotel Group, Katerina held leadership roles with Rosewood Hotel Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and HVS. Katerina graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a Bachelor’s of Science with First Class Honors in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She is fluent in English and Greek, basic French and elementary Mandarin.