Pioneering entrepreneur William Heinecke inducted into School of Hotel and Tourism Management Gallery of Honour

The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is delighted to announce that Mr William HEINECKE, Founder and Chairman of Minor International PCL, was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on 16 May 2025, the same day he was bestowed the esteemed SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner held in his honour.

At the gala dinner, Prof. Miranda LOU, PolyU Executive Vice President, said, “As an entrepreneur and innovator in the industry, Mr Heinecke’s name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in the region and around the world. He is a stellar role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all.”

Expressing his heartiest congratulations to Mr Heinecke on receiving the accolade, Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “A trailblazer and an accomplished entrepreneur, Mr Heinecke’s exemplary achievements have not only played an important role in raising the level of the hospitality business in the region and globally but also helped transform it through his distinctive vision. As a passionate advocate for hospitality and tourism education, he has ardently supported the SHTM and is truly deserving of this award.”

Mr William Heinecke remarked, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the SHTM. For me, hospitality is so much more than offering a place to stay – it is about creating transformative experiences that bring people together, spark positive social change, and highlight the unique warmth of every destination. I hope this honour will encourage the next generation of hospitality leaders to push boundaries, embrace lifelong learning, and strive for excellence at every turn.”

Mr Heinecke’s leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small start-up into one of the world’s largest hospitality groups. His career began at the young age of 17, when he launched his first company while still in high school. In the years that followed, he expanded what became known as Minor Hotels into a diversified global hospitality group to embrace a range of brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana Collection, NH Collection and Tivoli. Under his visionary leadership, Minor Hotels – which now boasts over 600 hotels in 63 countries – was an early pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development.

In his role as Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Mr Heinecke also oversees Minor Food, one of Asia’s largest restaurant companies with more than 2,500 outlets globally, and Minor Lifestyle which operates nearly 400 retail stores. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been actively engaged in philanthropic endeavours including setting up the Heinecke Foundation to support education for less fortunate children, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to seek to improve the welfare of elephants, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to help rejuvenate the turtle population in the Sirinat Marine National Park in Thailand. He has also been involved in the annual St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala and Auction, contributing to the fundraising for nominated organisations under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

Highly regarded for his exemplary accomplishments in hospitality, Mr Heinecke was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022 and HOTELS magazine’s Corporate Hotelier of the World 2017. A recipient of the Trailblazer Award at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2013, he authored the book The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager. He was also the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and sat on the Prime Minister’s Foreign Investment Advisory Council. Mr Heinecke’s contributions continue to inspire and transform the industry, making him stand out as a beacon of excellence.

“The SHTM prides itself in being a leading force in education and research in hospitality and tourism,” said Dean Chon. “Our commitment to excellence is well supported by industry heavyweights and visionary leaders such as Mr William Heinecke. With steadfast support from our industry partners, our School is committed to nurturing the bright minds who will become future leaders of this dynamic global industry.”

The Gallery of Honour is located in the SHTM lobby and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, who represent the world’s most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School established the Award to honour individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, recognising the true leaders who have helped define the global hospitality landscape and advance the industry.

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