ICHM Graduate Stories
We measure our success by our graduates
“The ICHM alumni are now establishing themselves as leaders within various markets and growing into an enviable and enjoyable network.”
Justin Pitt, Executive Assistant Manager, Anantara Hotels & Resorts
You will find our graduates working as supervisors and specialists through to senior and general managers. Their employers range from boutique establishments to large multi-national hotels and resorts. Casinos, airlines and other hospitality industry related organisations also headhunt our graduates. Others have taken the entrepreneurial ICHM spirit and established their own hospitality inspired businesses and consultancies.
Luke James
Charmaine Turner
Ken (Kyung-Yeon) Park
Melissa Tracey
Shirley Hsia
Peter Pysk
Elena Sin
Caroline Hardman
Position:
Director of Business Excellence
Hotel:
Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, UAE
Caroline graduated from ICHM in December 1999 and moved to Sydney in the same year to embark on a 12 month Human Resources project for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. On completion of the contract, Caroline was then recruited by the newly established Hospitality & Leisure division of PricewaterhouseCoopers where she worked as a consultant, providing market demand and financial feasibility studies on behalf of clients owning, developing or investing in hotel and leisure related projects. Moving interstate to expand PwC’s Melbourne practice, Caroline’s role developed to incorporate the National Hotel Benchmark Study.
In 2004, Caroline moved abroad to join Deloitte’s London office as a market analyst within the Hotelbenchmark team, responsible for Means Ends Analysis (MEA). With an unfulfilled desire to be closer to the action, Caroline returned to the industry the following year, joining Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts as Quality Manager of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai. In 2007, Caroline was promoted to Director of Business Excellence for Madinat Jumeirah Resort.
“ICHM equips students with a realistic and critical appreciation for the demands of our industry while fostering the energy and competency required for graduates to take their careers to any desired height.”
Justin Pitt
Position:
Executive Assistant Manager
Hotel:
Anantara Hotel & Resorts Pvt. Ltd.
“ICHM with is unique combination of industry based experience and subsequent theoretical and practical curriculum, provides a tangible skills set and extensive knowledge base that can be translated into real success in the hospitality industry. The ICHM alumni are now establishing themselves as leaders within various markets and growing into an enviable and enjoyable network to be part of.”
Born in the wine country around Adelaide, South Australia; Justin Pitt developed a passion for food and wine at an early age. Starting his hospitality career locally in Adelaide and Sydney, a stint at the famous Australian Chef Neil Perry’s restaurant Rockpool further fuelled Justin’s desire for inspired cuisine, creative concepts and delivering consistent quality through products and services. An adventurous move to London saw Justin arrive at Park Lane in Mayfair at the Grosvenor House hotel. This was followed by the winning of the Australian chapter of SKAL internationals young ambassador scholarship which took Justin to another landmark hotel this time in Hong Kong, namely The Peninsular Hotel Hong Kong.
Justin then joined the Hyatt Corporation in Perth as part of the Corporate Management Program. Quickly moving through the hotel to lead Gershwin’s fine dining restaurant during a rebirth and renaissance of the outlet in the Perth dining scene. An international promotion to the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong saw Justin return to Hong Kong, this time with Hyatt International’s flag ship property. Hosting Major world events, international dignitaries and multimillion dollar budgets, Justin’s corporate sales team set new records for the hotel.
With opportunities in the region expanding exponentially Justin sought new challenges with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, joining the F&B management team at the famous Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Starwood’s strongest revenue generating Thai resort. Successes in Phuket lead to a promotion and the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, where Justin took over as Director of Food & Beverage. Two years at the hotel and a full strategic revision of restaurant service, products and menu offerings has moved the hotel from acceptable performances to a leader in guest service experiences and feedback within the Thailand Starwood hotels.
A return to Hong Kong and another flagship hotel saw Justin move to the W Hong Kong, a new property and the shinning brand ambassador for Starwood Hotel’s and the expansive W Hotel’s brand throughout Asia. But not one to stay idle, Justin has just joined the Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Thailand as their Executive Assistant Manager.
Paul Town
Position:
Vice President, Hotel Operations
Hotel:
Galaxy Macau
Paul commenced his studies with ICHM in 1994, during that time he completed his internships at the Sheraton Auckland (NZ) and worked the Front Desk at the Langham Hilton in London; also utilizing one on the internships semesters for language study. Following his placement time at the Langham Hilton, Paul was offered the opportunity to stay on, and over the next two years worked in a variety of roles such as Night Auditor, Assistant Night Manager and Night Manager.
Looking to further his career Paul moved to Melbourne and took on the position of Duty Manager with the Crown Towers. Even while his career was on the ascent Paul still took the time to complete the ICHM degree on-line. His rise through the ranks continued at Crown Towers Melbourne where he was made the Reservations Manager, and then opened the Crown Promenade as the Rooms Division Manager.
Paul was then seconded to assist with the design and development of the Crown Macau, his obvious skill and flair culminating in his appointment as the General Manager of the Crown Macau.
Paul was then promoted to be the Vice President of the City of Dreams Macau project, and he is currently the Vice President of Hotel Operations at the Galaxy Macau.
Angela Wong
Position:
Assistant Director of Human Resources
Hotel:
The Ritz-Carlton - Dubai International Finance Centre
Why ICHM?
ICHM provides an excellent curriculum providing a comprehensive foundation of what you need to know to be in the industry. I chose ICHM as it is affiliated with the Swiss Hotel Association and that it is based in the beautiful city of Adelaide. Adelaide is a great destination to be in, it's really easy to live and a great place for studies. ICHM has also a great team of passionate lecturers which greatly enhanced my learning experience. ICHM provides full boarding and the residence management really makes me feel like a family. What else would one ask for when every aspect of life is taken care of when one is with ICHM!
How did you get your current position?
Creating excellence every day at work starting from my trainee days to where I am today and continuously seek for improvement is the key! I never let myself be in a comfort zone for long and partner closely with my mentors & leaders to see what's next. Leaders at The Ritz-Carlton have created many opportunities for me and are able to bring the best out of me. I believe that to be sustainable in the hotel industry, one requires passion and definitely always be diligent. Long hours and hard work is part and parcel of being in the industry but doing what I love makes everything easy and I still love it very much till today.
What are the main advantages of the ICHM course?
ICHM course is extensive and relevant to the industry. It provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge, put in practice operational skills and also a test on organizational, planning & management skills. The high standards of course delivery and expectation of competency set for each subject ensures that the learning experience is maximized. The platform that the course is set is similar to one being in the industry starting from being in adherence to professional behaviour & appearance standards, being treated and developed like a potential future leader in the industry. The course is intensive and it is a good test of perseverance and passion for the industry.
Estelle Kim Lim
Position:
Senior Human Resources Consultant
Hotel:
THE MINT GROUP - Melbourne
Originally from Mauritius, Estelle joined ICHM in 2001 and completed her internships at Hayman Island Resort, Queensland and Solitaire Lodge, New Zealand. After successfully completing ICHM Estelle moved to Melbourne to further her career in the hospitality industry and worked in various hotels in Reservations and Front office departments.
Estelle began her Corporate Management Traineeship with the Inter Continental Hotels Group (IHG) in February 2006. She was then appointed Business Development Executive – MICE market in January 2007. Instrumental in securing new business for the Victorian hotels and successfully driving a number of key projects, Estelle was promoted to Business Development Manager – Corporate Market in May 2008. She is currently working as the Senior Human Resources Consultant for THE MINT GROUP.
“The skills and knowledge gained at ICHM have helped me throughout my career and increased my passion for the hospitality industry. ICHM is a great institution which combines both the theoretical and practical aspects of the business and provides its students with all the tools to become successful in this industry”
Troy Hickox
Position:
General Manager
Hotel:
The Mira - Hong Kong
Upon graduating from ICHM, Troy was recruited by The Fairmont San Francisco as a Management Trainee, he was promoted into various management roles before he took up the position of Executive Assistant Housekeeper with hundreds of staff to oversee. Troy was then offered the opportunity to join Fairmont’s corporate office as their Strategic Planning Analyst going into a merger which would see the number of hotels in the group grow four fold overnight! “It’s a big thrill to be involved in “creating” a new hotel. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in the opening of The Peninsula tower extension in Hong Kong, a hip and hi-tech boutique property for Le Meridien, and more recently the very high profile Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where I oversaw Rooms Division. Having interviewed thousands of graduates over the years, it is plainly obvious that their curriculums have not all been as all-encompassing as that at ICHM”.
Before his current position at The Mira Hong Kong, Troy also worked at the Venetian Macau, the world’s largest casino, as Director in charge of Paiza Hotel Operations (an exclusive invitation only 272 mega suite high-roller hotel) and Front of House Operations.
"It is to ICHM’s credit that they equip graduates with such a balance of practical ability, business acumen, human relations skills and creative passion so that we can manage challenges such as those I have mentioned above. ICHM alumni are setting the benchmark for those who graduate after us, establishing themselves at senior levels with great companies internationally and who represent the quality of the ICHM education.”
Jaime Svennson (nee Footner)
Position:
Project Manager
Hotel:
Hyatt Hotels - Thailand
Upon completing her Swiss Hotel Diploma, Jaime Svennson acquired her MSc through ICHM’s articulation program with Oxford Brooks University in the UK. In 2000 she became Assistant Front Office Manager in the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, and has since gone on to work for The Sebel in Melbourne as their Front Office Manager; then as the Executive Manager for The Sebel Noosa Resort; the Executive Manager for the Como Hotel Melbourne and the Opening Manager at the Sebel Residence in Perth. Jaime then moved to India to take on the senior role of Executive Assistant Manger (EAM) at the Hyatt Rengency in Mumbai; before accepting another role as the Rooms Division Manager for the Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
She is currently a Project Manager for Hyatt Hotels, Thailand.
Nawee Wattanasongsuit (Jark)
Position:
Food & Beverage Manager
Hotel:
The Chedi Chiang Mai – Thailand
Graduating in 1997 Nawee accepted a position as a Graduate Management Trainee with the Peninsula Group of Hotels in Hong Kong, quickly moving from Rooms Division to GRO and Duty Manager. After a brief transfer to The Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok as part of the opening team in Front Office, Nawee returned to Hong Kong to take up the position of Food & Beverage Coordinator at The Repulse Bay Property managed by The Peninsula group of hotels. Promptly promoted to Banquet Manager and South East Asian cuisine Restaurant Manager at Spices; then The Verandah Fine Dining Restaurant as Manager for 3 ½ years. Nawee also spent considerable time in the US at The Peninsula Chicago to assist the hotel as part of their opening team.
Departing Hong Kong, Nawee joined the Sheraton Grande Hotel in Sukhumvit, Bangkok as a Restaurant Manager. He then moved on to The Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok as the Beverage Manager, accountable for the hotel’s beverage system, including all beverages for 370 guest rooms, 5 outlets, banquets for up to 1,000 guests and the helicopter lounge on the hotel’s 37th floor!
Currently Nawee is employed by the Chedi Hotel in Chiang Mai as part of GHM luxury hotels worldwide as their Food & Beverage Manager. “ICHM has surely equipped me with vision, passion, motivation, and the knowledge to move with industry trends. ICHM “go go” – Thank you for everything”.
David Picard
Position:
Analyst
Hotel:
Pan Pacific Singapore
David began his journey with ICHM in July 2000, and graduated with the ICHM Bachelor’s Degree in 2004. David then moved back to Singapore to start his career at the Pan Pacific Singapore’s Pacific Club, as the butler, putting into practice his experience gained from his Internship at the Shangri-La hotel Singapore, Sheraton Towers Singapore, Hilton Adelaide and Le Meridien at Rialto in Melbourne.
After his promotion to Team Leader, David decided to undertake a Management Traineeship, where he was exposed mainly to Food and Beverage operation and management, assisting in the opening of the semi fine dining restaurant, the operation at the Japanese restaurant and the launch of the Dining loyalty programme with the Sales & Marketing Team. In 2007, David was offered the opportunity to join the Executive Office to work within the Strategy Management team as the Analyst, where his main job scope is to create and provide the platform of analysis for the management.
David recently accepted a new executive position at the newly opened Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, where he will be providing support to the House Manager, HR Manager and Sales & Marketing team.
“ICHM opens doors to many fields within the hospitality industry, and has enabled me to understand business in a practical approach”.
Christophe Desmarais
Position:
Resident Manager
Hotel:
Les Pavillons - Mauritius
Upon finishing school Christophe took some time off prior to beginning his studies and worked as a trainee in two 5 star properties, the Shandrani hotel and the Royal Palm. His five months working motivated him to enroll at Varsity College in Cape Town to study hotel management.
The idea of continuing his studies in Australia was exciting in itself. He looked to discovering a new country, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and going on industry placement anywhere in the world. What could one dream of better!
I believe that ICHM gave me a good insight on what was coming next; the curriculum covered all aspects of the hotel trade.
Shortly after finishing my diploma I returned home to Mauritius joining local hotel group called “Naiade Resorts” as management trainee. Over a six year period I occupied the following positions: Attaché commercial; Reception supervisor; Assistant front office manager; Front office manager and Marketing manager in charge of Australia, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia.
Since 2005 he has been the Resident Manager Les Pavillons.
Of his time with ICHM Christophe comments “I wish to thank all the lecturers that helped prepare me to face the real world by sharing their experiences of the industry and by linking the theory with practical examples. Their input was invaluable and has contributed to my rapid ascension in a demanding sector”.
Eric Be Lim
Position:
Resident Manager
Hotel:
The Gardens Hotel & Residences, Mid Valley City, Malaysia
During his time at ICHM Eric undertook internships with the Regent Four Seasons in Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne (now the Sofitel). Returning to KL in 1998, he joined the pre-opening team for the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur as a manager for their Front Desk and Club Floor areas.
Joining Shangri- La Hotels Penang in 2000 as the Duty Manager, he moved into the positions of Guest Services Manager and Assistant Manager Front Office.
Eric decided to return once again to KL in 2002, to join CHM Hotels in Cititel Mid Valley as the Assistant Manager of Hotel Operations.
In 2004 Eric assisted with the opening of the Boulevard Hotel as the Executive Assistant Manager and is now at the Gardens Hotel & Residences as the Resident Manager within the same group.
“Aside from the balanced and dynamic course, ICHM provided exposure and experience in an Asia-Pacific setting, which I found more relevant to my future. Hold true to the fact that as an ICHM graduate you are one of the best trained available”.
