Minor Hotels announces the appointment of hotelier Nicholas Smith to its Asia regional leadership team as Vice President of Operations. In this role, Nicholas is responsible for overseeing and strengthening the group’s fast-growing portfolio in Asia and leading and mentoring a team of experienced leaders across the region.
Over 25 years of hospitality experience
Nicholas brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to Minor Hotels. He developed his operational expertise at the Shangri-La Group, joining the group in 2008 as a Food & Beverage Manager in Malaysia.
Over 15 years, he served in multiple senior leadership positions, including residence, hotel, and general manager roles at Shangri-La and Kerry Hotels properties in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Most recently, Nicholas was Vice President of Food & Beverage and Operations for MEIA (Middle East, India, Indian Ocean, Europe, and the Americas), where he oversaw the performance of 17 of the group’s properties.
A global career with leading hospitality brands
Nicholas’s career also includes food and beverage and event management roles with the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Savoy Group in London and the United States. He also led the launch of Sindalah Island, NEOM’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Leadership to drive growth across Asia
Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Nicholas to Minor Hotels at such a pivotal time in our journey. As a seasoned hospitality professional with a proven track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences, Nicholas brings invaluable expertise to our operations. Asia is a focal region for our growth, with more than 100 additional properties targeted across the continent by the end of 2027. His leadership will drive operational excellence and support our ambitious expansion plans.”
Academic background
A British national, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel and catering management from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK.
