HICAP Recognizes Edmond Ip with the 2010 Trailblazer Award
Award to be presented at HICAP Update Southeast Asia, 26-27 May 2010
COSTA MESA, CA, USA - March 31, 2010 - The organizers of the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) are delighted to announce that this year's HICAP Trailblazer Award will be presented to Edmond Ip, CEO, Hotel Division, Kosmopolito Hotels International Ltd. at the HICAP Update Southeast Asia, scheduled for 26-27 May 2010, at the Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford Singapore. The first Trailblazer Award was presented in 2009 to Peter Barge of Jones Lang LaSalle who will make the presentation to Edmond Ip.
The Trailblazer Award is presented selectively to an individual who has been a leader and pioneer. Ip is the very epitome of a leader who has pioneered the way forward for many in the hotel industry. Ip is being recognized for his many achievements as a hospitality industry veteran, with over 35 years' experience in hotel management, development and finance. Ip was most recently Chief Advisor, Chief Operating Officer - Greater China and Managing Director for InterContinental Hotels Group.
“We're very excited to recognize Edmond's many groundbreaking contributions to our industry,” said Robert Hecker, Managing Director, Horwath HTL. “His roles in the early days of Hyatt's expansion in Asia, co-founding Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, spearheading IHG's growth in Greater China and establishing the IHG academy network for fostering China's next generation of hotel professionals are just a few of his industry trailblazing accomplishments and contributions.”
“Edmond has always been one of those personalities in our industry who stand out, not just for his achievements, but also for his great way with people,” said Jim Burba, President of BHN. “Edmond has been an influential leader, mentor and a humanitarian; inspiring those around him.”
Ip, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, started his career in hotels with Hyatt in the early 1970's. Since then he has made considerable and significant contributions to the industry throughout his long and storied career. Recognizing the need to nurture and train future generations of hospitality leaders and professionals, Ip established the IHG Academy in partnership with 22 tourism institutions and universities in China to provide training for hotel management students in eight Chinese cities. He is also involved in a number of charity initiatives, including Project Hope, which provides children in need with educational opportunities, scholarships, new school construction and expansion in China.
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