HONG KONG, CHINA. Travel hospitality specialist Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has announced the appointment of veteran global hotel executive John Girard as its General Manager Operations for Hong Kong.
Girard possesses a wealth of experience in Hong Kong’s hospitality industry, built over three decades in leadership positions at hotels in the territory. Before joining the company, he served as Area General Manager and Vice President of Development at Regal Hotels International, where he oversaw the 1,200-room Regal Airport Hotel.
Starting his career in the hotel sector in Hong Kong in 1987, Girard has witnessed the immense growth and transformation of the tourism and hospitality industries.
A highly respected industry figure, Girard brings robust relationships with Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong Hotels Association as a long-standing executive committee member.
Born in Malta, Girard has experienced working in 16 countries across four continents in locations from Georgetown, Guyana to Darwin, Australia.
Among the brands he has worked for are Hyatt in the Middle East, the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana, the Beaufort Hotel in Darwin, and the Sino and Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong.
Girard said: “You could say that tourism is in my blood, as this was the bedrock of the economy of my home island of Malta. I’ve been fortunate to have a far-ranging career, and I’m excited to be able to bring my knowledge of customer service, operational excellence and client experiences to airport hospitality at PPG.”
In his new role, Girard will manage PPG’s operations at Hong Kong International Airport. The company provides what it describes as a 360 airport hospitality experience including three Plaza Premium Lounges, a Plaza Premium First lounge, its innovative Intervals cocktail lounge, 17 airport services provided by Allways, and dining outlet Root98.
PPG Founder and CEO Song Hoi-see said: “Hong Kong International Airport has always had a special place in our hearts and history, as the birthplace of Plaza Premium Lounge. For 25 years, PPG has grown up hand-in-hand with the Hong Kong Airport as an invaluable partner.
“John is not only a tourism leader with diverse experience, but someone who understands the Hong Kong hospitality market and how to deliver customer service excellence. Together with the operations team, he will make travel better for this major transport hub.” 
