Latest news with #Heinecke
Hospitality Net
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
FHS Africa 2025 Honours David Green William E. Heinecke and Hala Matar Choufany for Visionary Leadership and Lasting Impact on the Hospitality Industry
The 2025 Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa Awards will honour three exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and integrity have profoundly shaped the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, will be recognised with the FHS Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award; William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will receive the FHS Leadership Award and Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia, will be presented with the FHS Excellence Award. The awards were nominated by the FHS Africa Advisory Board, a group of senior industry leaders who collectively represent decades of insight and influence across the global hospitality ecosystem. Their selections reflect not only individual excellence, but also the values that FHS Africa seeks to champion: ethical leadership, inclusive development, and long-term impact. William E. Heinecke, one of Asia's most influential entrepreneurs, was honoured with the FHS Leadership Award in recognition of a nearly six-decade-long career that began with a bold idea and just US$1,200. At the age of 17, Heinecke registered his first company under the name 'Minor' - a nod to being underage at the time - and went on to create Minor Hotels, a diversified hospitality group that today operates more than 530 hotels across 56 countries under brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, and Tivoli. His acquisition of NH Hotel Group in 2018 marked a turning point for global expansion and established Minor as a powerhouse in the international hospitality scene. A vocal advocate for sustainability and social impact, Heinecke also founded the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Heinecke Foundation for education, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. His accolades include HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards. Now Chairman of the Board of Minor International, Heinecke continues to guide the group's long-term strategy and philanthropic mission. David Green's recognition reflects more than a decade of transformative leadership at the helm of Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront. Since his appointment in 2009, Green has guided the historic precinct through a R8 billion reinvention, turning it into one of Africa's most successful mixed-use destinations. Under his stewardship, the Waterfront has become a blueprint for sustainable urban development—supporting nearly 80,000 jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and embedding environmental and social responsibility at the core of every initiative. From the launch of the Zeitz MOCAA Museum and Makers Landing to the expansion of the hotel and hospitality portfolio now comprising 14 hotels and over 1,800 rooms, Green's legacy lies in his deep commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and purpose-driven development. Everything we do is viewed through the lenses of job creation, inclusivity, and sustainability, Green reflected. It's about ensuring that our work aligns with the values of our people, our community, and our environment. Hala Matar Choufany, recipient of the FHS Excellence Award, has set new benchmarks in hospitality advisory through her role as President of HVS Middle East, Africa & South Asia. The first woman to hold this position, she has led over 5,000 advisory engagements that have shaped hotel investments, asset strategies, and valuations across key markets. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation principles she champions not just in boardrooms, but also in classrooms and industry forums worldwide A respected voice in global hospitality discourse, Choufany is committed to nurturing talent, supporting sustainable development in emerging markets, and driving responsible investment practices across Africa and beyond. True leadership is not about titles or accolades , she said. It's defined by trust, integrity, and the impact created through knowledge-sharing and collaboration. We are absolutely delighted to be recognising William, Hala, and David at FHS Africa this year. Each of them represents the very best of our industry—visionary leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to positive change. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose. FHS Africa continues to be the premier hospitality investment platform on the continent, and honouring these individuals reflects the exceptional calibre of conversation and connection that defines this event. Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench FHS Africa 2025 continues its mission to elevate the continent's hospitality potential by spotlighting the people and ideas driving sustainable growth. Through these awards, the Summit honours those who not only lead with distinction but also shape the future of hospitality across Africa and around the world. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, Millat Group, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About FHS Africa For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. About The Bench The Bench has built a legacy as a global curator of opportunity, designing transformative forums and summits that empower the hospitality and travel industries to connect, innovate, and thrive. With over two decades of expertise, The Bench creates platforms that go beyond transactions to inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change. Each event brings together government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, airlines, destination developers, and more. From flagship gatherings like FHS World (formerly AHIC) and FHS Saudi Arabia, to the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) and AviaDev, The Bench creates events where ideas spark, relationships deepen, and investments take flight. The Bench thrives on fostering dynamic and forward-looking dialogues, uniting industry pioneers to address challenges, seize opportunities, and co-create the future. Each event is crafted to deliver more than just connections - it's about transforming ideas into action and building a better tomorrow. Discover more at
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Australia Negotiating With Malaysia To Boost Halal Export Trade
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) – Australia is negotiating with Malaysia on a strategic partnership to boost its halal meat export industry. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said the outcome of the negotiation will be important going forward, not just in terms of comparative advantage in agriculture, but also the technology around agriculture, and Malaysia's aspirations around the halal industry. 'There are lots of opportunities and we hope to finalise the partnership via negotiations that we have been working on for a little while with Malaysia,' she said after Bernama TV's 'The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch' programme titled 'Australia–Malaysia: Partners in a Changing Indo-Pacific'. bootstrap slideshow The High Commissioner said that some 17 Australian meat exporters registered with the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), which meet the department's high halal standards, are exporting to Malaysia. Last year, Australia exported 38,220 tonnes of halal sheep meat and 13,511 tonnes of halal beef and veal into Malaysia, valued at A$249.26 million and A$120.83 million (A$1=RM2.75), respectively, according to figures provided by the High Commission. Malaysia is also Australia's second-largest red meat export market in Southeast Asia after Indonesia in terms of volume, according to 'Meat and Livestock Australia', a publication providing a market snapshot of beef and sheepmeat exports to Malaysia. The publication also said that Malaysians have the highest per capita beef consumption among ASEAN countries at 8.8kg per person in 2024. Heinecke said that economic ties between both countries have been further strengthened by the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), which facilitates trade in goods, services, as well as investments. Malaysia is Australia's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and its 10th-largest partner overall, with total trade in 2023-2024 valued at A$33 billion.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Australia negotiating with Malaysia to boost halal export trade
KUALA LUMPUR: Australia is negotiating with Malaysia on a strategic partnership to boost its halal meat export industry. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said the outcome of the negotiation will be important going forward, not just in terms of comparative advantage in agriculture, but also the technology around agriculture, and Malaysia's aspirations around the halal industry. "There are lots of opportunities and we hope to finalise the partnership via negotiations that we have been working on for a little while with Malaysia," she said after Bernama TV's "The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch" programme titled "Australia–Malaysia: Partners in a Changing Indo-Pacific". The High Commissioner said that some 17 Australian meat exporters registered with the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), which meet the department's high halal standards, are exporting to Malaysia. Last year, Australia exported 38,220 tonnes of halal sheep meat and 13,511 tonnes of halal beef and veal into Malaysia, valued at US$249.26 million and US$120.83 million (US$1 = RM2.75), respectively, according to figures provided by the High Commission. Malaysia is also Australia's second-largest red meat export market in Southeast Asia after Indonesia in terms of volume, according to "Meat and Livestock Australia", a publication providing a market snapshot of beef and sheepmeat exports to Malaysia. The publication also said that Malaysians have the highest per capita beef consumption among Asean countries at 8.8kg per person in 2024. Heinecke said that economic ties between both countries have been further strengthened by the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), which facilitates trade in goods, services, as well as investments. Malaysia is Australia's second-largest trading partner in Asean and its 10th-largest partner overall, with total trade in 2023–2024 valued at US$33 billion. Australia's economic and trade relationship with Malaysia is mature, comprehensive and complementary, said Heinecke. "In 2023–2024, Malaysia was our second-largest two-way trading partner among Asean member states and 10th-largest partner overall," she said. There are several established Australian retail brands in Malaysia, including Aesop, Arnott's, Blackmores, Boost Juice, Cotton On, Harvey Norman and King Living. Earlier during the programme, she said Canberra was intensifying its economic engagement in Southeast Asia, particularly through targeted trade and investment missions. "We are bringing a trade and investment mission here centred around Energy Asia and also exploring opportunities within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone," she said, adding that Australia is the fourth-largest digital tech investor in Malaysia. She cited successful Malaysian ventures in Australia, including Gentari's renewable energy projects and Gamuda's high-tech transport infrastructure initiatives, as two-way economic engagement that benefits both countries. Besides MAFTA, Malaysia and Australia are also members of the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). — BERNAMA
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Australia Committed To Deeper Strategic Ties With Malaysia -- Ambassador Heinecke
By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali & Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Australia is committed to strengthening its longstanding relations with Malaysia by deepening cooperation in key areas such as education, defence, clean energy, and digital innovation, said Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke. She highlighted that the Australia-Malaysia relations, now marking its 70th year, is anchored by mutual respect, a strong people-to-people connection, and robust cooperation in a wide array of sectors. bootstrap slideshow 'We were one of the first partners here. We have built strong ties through education, trade, and security. Now, our focus is on how we can shape the future together,' she said during an interview on Bernama TV's The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch. As Australia prepares for more high-level visits to Malaysia, including one by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his ASEAN engagements this year in October, Heinecke said the focus will be on building future-oriented partnerships. 'This is about working together on education, defence, clean energy, and digital innovation. The opportunities are tremendous, and the foundation we have built over the last 70 years put us in a great position to grow further,' she said. Touching on education and youth mobility, Heinecke said more than 300,000 Malaysian alumni have studied in Australia, while four Australian universities – Monash, Curtin, Swinburne, and the University of Wollongong – operate campuses across Malaysia, collectively hosting over 13,000 students. 'In Australia, we currently have around 20,000 Malaysian students enrolled, including many in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and vocational training programmes. 'We see increasing mobility and exchange of knowledge, which is a real strength of our relationship,' she said.
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Leading Hospitality Investors and Visionaries Come to Cape Town in June
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 comes to Cape Town from 17–19 June 2025, bringing together the most influential voices in hospitality investment, development, and sustainability from across the globe. This year's speaker lineup features major investors, visionaries, strategists, and dealmakers who are actively reshaping the landscape of hospitality across Africa. William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will headline the summit. A self-made entrepreneur who launched his first business at 17, Mr Heinecke has built one of the world's most respected hospitality groups. His keynote will explore the lessons behind that legacy and what's next for hotel expansion in Africa. Guy Hutchinson, President of Hilton MEA, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG for MEA&Southwest Asia, will delve into how global hotel groups adapt their strategies for Africa's evolving markets. Meanwhile, Jerome Briet (Chief Development Officer EMEA, Marriott International), Jean-Baptiste Recher (CDO Luxury Brands, Accor), and Esteban Lozada (MD North, West&South Africa, Hilton) will highlight expansion plans and pipeline insights from the region's top brands. On the investment side, the programme features heavyweights like Folaseto Akin-Olugbade (Principal, Actis), Olivier Granet and David Damiba (Co-CEOs, Kasada Capital Management), Rahul Chaudhary (MD&CEO, CG Corp Global), Magdaline Osei Baffour (Investment Director, Westmont Hospitality Group), Nyawira Kariuki (CEO, Janus Continental Group), and Jameel Verjee (Founder&CEO, CityBlue Hotels). They'll share unfiltered insights on how they evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and unlock long-term value in different African markets. Graham Wood (CEO, Sun International), Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun), and Tony Romer-Lee (Managing Partner AMEA, Valor Hospitality Partners), David Green (CEO, V&A Waterfront) add further firepower to the operator perspective, joining sessions on operating strategies, sustainability, and navigating development constraints. Conservation and tourism sustainability will also take centre stage with Dr Morne du Plessis (CEO, WWF South Africa) and Mark Read (former WWF SA Chairman) exploring how hospitality can be a vehicle for positive environmental impact. Brooke Friswold of Bring The Elephant Home and Joe Pietersen of Nkombe Rhino will share field perspectives on ecotourism's potential. Other voices enriching the dialogue include Gillian Saunders, one of Africa's leading tourism consultants, Kevin Teeroovengadum (Proptech Africa), Thami Nkadimeng, Paul Gardiner (CEO, Terra Nova), Bani Haddad (Aleph Hospitality), Tadiwos G. Belete (Kuriftu Resorts), Euan McGlashan (Valor Hospitality), Wayne Godwin (JLL Africa), and many more. An Investor Powerhouse FHS Africa 2025 will once again host the region's most active capital partners, including: Berkeley Properties, Cameroon Hotels Corporation, CityBlue Hotels, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, DEG, FROS Capital, Fundo Soberano de Angola, IFC, Janus Continental Group, Oak&Satin Properties, Proparco, Rockshieldburg-City, The Midwest Company, and UAG Investments. Together, these investors represent billions in active projects, acquisitions, and greenfield development across the continent. With over $4 billion in hospitality deals signed at FHS Africa since its inception, the event remains a catalyst for serious deal-making and investment. Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: ' We're incredibly proud to bring FHS Africa to Cape Town for the first time. It's a city that represents innovation, diversity, and growth — the perfect backdrop for an event that connects the brightest minds in hospitality and drives real investment across the continent. The 2025 programme is bold, dynamic, and focused on action." FHS Africa 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to build meaningful relationships through various formats tailored for real engagement. From high-energy speed networking sessions and curated closed-door investor councils to exclusive offsite visits showcasing Cape Town's latest hospitality developments, every moment is designed to foster strategic connections. The event also features a community-focused charity Run, offering a lighter way to meet other delegates while supporting a worthy cause. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench. About FHS Africa: For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About The Bench: The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry. For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge. Learn more at
