Viri Lakhveer Kaur
Summary
Global Luxury Hospitality leader with >20 years of experience in both strategic & hands-on positions across luxury hospitality & branded residences. Merging startegic commercial acumen with operational excellence to deliver best-in-class residence experiences across complex global markets while ensuring a consistent alignment of values & adherence to corporate brand ethos.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Global Corporate Director of Residences
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
10.2021 - Current
- Assumed a newly created position to drive the global expansion of the groups branded residences portfolio to ensure profitability, operational & service excellence
- Managing a portfolio of 8 opened branded residences & 33 more in the pipeline across APAC (Inc China) , EMEA & The Americas
- Annual budgeting & CapEx review management in collaboration with stakeholders and attending of property AGM's to grasp a hands-on understanding of property owners experience
- Participate in community engagement projects across a range of topics including sustainability & wellness
- Key figure in managing owner & developer relationship including handling of owner/resident/board issues
- Work with Development teams on negotiation process for residential deals
- Ensure seamless & consistent residence experiences across categories including F&B
- Leading project performance review for branded residences portfolio
- Ensure consistent on the ground engagement with community contacts
- Development of pre-opening plans specific to each residence demographic, ensuring consistent alignment with corporate brand ethos
- Trends & insights analysis on competitor landscape & consumer preferences to inform startegic decision making
- Ensuring branded residence is consistent and adherent to Residential Management Agreement & Six Senses Residential Brand Guidelines
- Collaborate with commercial teams to optimize residential brand extension
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, SOP's & governing documents in compliance with local real estate & residential laws, management agreements & other governing documents
- Development & project management of new property pipelines
- In-house expert on market-specific residential requirements
- Spearheads learning & development of residential leadership to ensure brand experience surpasses owner's expectations
- Active role in partnering talent teams on hiring world-class residential talent
General Manager
Naumi Singapore
03.2021 - 09.2021
- End to end general management of the luxury property in Singapore with full accountability for P&L and operational success
- Ensure full compliance with the luxury standards associated with the brands affiliation of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)
- Ensure optimal service excellence & product quality goals which are consistent with luxury brand positioning
- Ensure property standards are aligned with global direction
- Presentation of business results, revenue enhancement activities, operating performance & expense management
- Cross-functional leadership to drive sales, revenue, marketing & reservations team to develop strategic & tactical commercial plans
General Manager, Luxury Residences (Project-Based)
Knight Frank
11.2020 - 03.2021
- Lead the management of the residential component of Luxury Private Residences
- Provide a comprehensive strategy for ownership of UHNWI residential services
- Providing support on positioning, sales and marketing, executive management, and operations of all residential components for Mixed-Use and Stand-alone residential private homes
- Provide competitor’s analysis and business trends and converting into actionable insights
- Chair regular Annual General Meetings and work closely with legal and strata management boards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, standard residential operating procedures and governing documents
- Facilitate decisions in association matters, finance and accounting, property management, owner, and associate engagement
General Manager, Bangkok
The Ritz-Carlton Residences
12.2018 - 02.2021
- Managing a mixed-use lifestyle luxury property focusing on residential operations (209 units)
- Handling high profiles with high net worth who require an elevated lifestyle in product and services
- Manage and achieve all areas of the budgets by implementing proper controls through proper planning, budgeting, purchasing decisions, policymaking and inventory procedures while focusing on creative cost management
- Process improvement in enhancing existing systems & structures
- Served as key Point of Contact with owners & senior management to ensure synergistic alignment on property experience & operational excellence
- Leading enhancement of property aesthetic from landscaping to floral arrangements
- Collaborate with JLL property management service on country overall regulatory compliance
General Manager, Singapore
The Ritz-Carlton Residences
05.2015 - 12.2018
- Implements high standards for all aspects of life safety, loss-prevention, unit owner identity, and privacy protection
- Operates within the constraints of the residence's budget. Provides timely reporting of financial performance and projections to the Board
- Handpicked to lead Pre-Opening Task force for Bvlgari Residences Shanghai to structure & implement residential standards, compliance training, ensuring operational excellence
- Manages luxury condominium facilities and all departments working within the building, including physical plant with attention to protection of the investment and plans to increase its value through superior care
- Serves as a Liaison to Board of Council and developer and works closely for common interest
- Develops and implements property-wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the brand’s target customer and employees and provides a return on investment. Implements training programs related to property management reinforcing constant quality service
- Continuously identifies and corrects building and service defects while providing increase in value
- Builds owner loyalty through proactive communication, setting and managing expectations and delivering solid business results
- Collaboration with Colliers International Property Management Service on overall country regulatory compliance
- Assigned to mentor Starwood Legacy Properties: St Regis, W Residences, St Regis Residences Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Residences Port Douglas, Sheraton Residences Fiji, Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast
Acting General Manager/ Director of Operations
Pan Pacific Hotels Group
08.2013 - 05.2015
- Responsible for management of property above 200 rooms.
- Built and managed relationships with business partners
- Maximized guest satisfaction and upheld quality standards through performance monitors and social media platforms.
- Responsible for recruiting, training, and employee development
- Custodian of brand values – maintained the “sanctity of the brand”.
- Growth opportunities – Always on the lookout for other opportunities to spread the brand name with a focus on growing the revenue and profitability of the business.
- Responsible for preparing budgets, marketing strategies, sales strategies, and target-setting.
- Supervised maintenance, renovation, and furnishing of the hotel.
- Managed 2 restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining operations with a focus on creativity and profitability.
- Managed the spa operations to ensure quality experience, product excellence and increasing profit margins through a strong drive to achieve in-house covers
Hotel Manager, Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Hotel
05.2011 - 08.2013
- Responsible for seamless operation of 7 branded villas, 214 luxury rooms, 161 fully serviced residences and Traders Hotel with 301 rooms. Operationally responsible for the Qaryat Al Beri complex and all minor operation departments.
- Successfully lead a large and diverse team of fifty-five nationalities.
- Involved in rebranding, restructuring, value engineering and hotel openings.
- Provided support to the management and executive teams, including development and succession plans of leadership roles.
- Reviewed key performance indicators such as guest experience, employee engagement, and p&l.
- Fully in charge of Club facilities and Spa Operations
- Food and Beverage Operations including all minor operating departments
Director of Rooms and Residences
Shangri-La Hotel
07.2006 - 05.2011
- Responsible for supervising and leading all departments in the Rooms Division, including Front Office, Guest Relations, Horizon Club, The Valley Wing, Garden Wing, Business Centre, Gift Shop, Concierge, Bell Desk and Telephone and Service Centre.
- Managed 792 rooms consisting of 709 guestrooms, 83 suites, 127 serviced apartments, and 55 branded serviced residences to achieve operational excellence.
- Nurtured and develop potential employees and managers in preparation for a succession plan.
- Provided monthly forecasts of revenue, expense, and profit.
- Prepared and reviewed operating budget and Capex.
- Reviewed financial results and developed plans to increase revenue.
- Task Force at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur for 2 months in June 2010 to revamp and assist Housekeeping
Director Diplomatic Affairs & Valley Wing Manager
Shangri-La Hotel
01.2000 - 07.2006
- Managed daily operations of The Valley Wing, an exclusive luxury wing for Heads of State, Captains of Industries, and Executives
- Worked closely with Embassies, High Commissions, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Achieved a 120% increase in revenue and room nights and a 70% return guest ratio
- Achieved the highest performance monitor scores amongst 49 properties within the Shangri-La Group
- Attained the highest Average Rates in Singapore for similar accommodation
- Zero turnovers of staff since the opening of the refurbished Valley Wing in Oct 2003.
Director of Service Apartment & Branded Residences
Shangri-La Hotel
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Responsible for opening the Service Apartment, a new business unit/product within the Shangri-La Group
- Directed and coordinated the activities of all housekeeping, front office, security, and engineering teams.
- Responsible for sales and ensuring 100% occupancy of units–achieved within 6 months of opening
Valley Wing & Garden Wing Manager
Shangri-La Hotel
08.1992 - 01.1998
- Managed the operations of The Valley Wing, an exclusive and private sanctuary for guests largely made up of heads of state, captains of industry, and high net-worth clients & Garden Wing - resort style wing of the hotel
- Responsible for the service and profitability of the wing
- Supervised a team of 35 people – evaluated and monitored staff performance
- Oversaw Housekeeping, Engineering, and Food & Beverage operations within the wing
Education
MBA - Hospitality
École Hôtelière De Lausanne (EHL)
Lausanne, Switzerland2022
Skills
- Luxury Hospitality Management
- Global & In-country Branded Residences Management
- P&L Management
- Budgeting & Finance Management
- People Development & Leadership
- Owner & Developer Relationship Management
- Pre-Opening
- Hospitality Operations
- Service Excellence
- Crisis Management
Certification
- Certificate in Business Administration, Washington University College of Business & Economics
- Certificate in Human Resource Management, Cornell University
Languages
English
Indonesian
Malay
Hindi
Punjabi
Timeline
Global Corporate Director of Residences
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
10.2021 - Current
General Manager
Naumi Singapore
03.2021 - 09.2021
General Manager, Luxury Residences (Project-Based)
Knight Frank
11.2020 - 03.2021
General Manager, Bangkok
The Ritz-Carlton Residences
12.2018 - 02.2021
General Manager, Singapore
The Ritz-Carlton Residences
05.2015 - 12.2018
Acting General Manager/ Director of Operations
Pan Pacific Hotels Group
08.2013 - 05.2015
Hotel Manager, Abu Dhabi
Shangri-La Hotel
05.2011 - 08.2013
Director of Rooms and Residences
Shangri-La Hotel
07.2006 - 05.2011
Director Diplomatic Affairs & Valley Wing Manager
Shangri-La Hotel
01.2000 - 07.2006
Director of Service Apartment & Branded Residences
Shangri-La Hotel
01.1998 - 01.2000
Valley Wing & Garden Wing Manager
Shangri-La Hotel
08.1992 - 01.1998
MBA - Hospitality
École Hôtelière De Lausanne (EHL)
- Certificate in Business Administration, Washington University College of Business & Economics
- Certificate in Human Resource Management, Cornell University
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