Donald J. Morris
Area Head Taiwan & Korea
Seoul
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
5
5
Languages
Work History
Area Head Korea & Taiwan
Cathay Pacific Airways
08.2023 - Current
- Planned and implemented growth strategies.
- Revamped outdated operational procedures which positively impacted overall workflow efficiency within the area.
- Analyzed key performance indicators to identify trends and areas for improvement within the department.
- Streamlined internal communication channels, facilitating improved information sharing among employees.
- Managed vendor relations, negotiating contracts to secure favorable terms for the company.
- Trained and mentored team of 5000 staff focused
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding contributions from team members during monthly meetings (TNPS 20% > 80%)
- Enhanced employee engagement through regular performance reviews, feedback sessions, and professional development opportunities.
Country Manager Philippines
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX)
08.2021 - 08.2023
- In charge of running Cathay Pacific Airways Limited in the Philippines. This includes engineering, airport operations, cargo, commercial and people team.
- Established strong relationships with key industry players for business growth and expansion.
- Increased market share by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively.
- Coached and mentored team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
Crew Services Manager
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX)
01.2018 - 01.2021
- In charge of the following departments; The whole Operational Departments this includes Food and Beverage, Rooms Division, Security, Engineering and Quality and Control Department.
- Hotel features 700 Rooms, 6 F&B Outlets, 10 Conference Rooms, Fitness Center, Swimming Pools.
- Replacement of the General Manager while absent.
Flight Crew Service Delivery Manager
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX)
01.2015 - 01.2018
- In charge of the following departments; The whole Operational Departments this includes Food and Beverage, Rooms Division, Security, Engineering and Quality and Control Department.
- Hotel features 700 Rooms, 6 F&B Outlets, 10 Conference Rooms, Fitness Center, Swimming Pools.
- Replacement of the General Manager while absent.
Resident Manager
Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG)
01.2013 - 01.2015
- In charge of the following departments; The whole Operational Departments this includes Food and Beverage, Rooms Division, Security, Engineering and Quality and Control Department.
- Hotel features 700 Rooms, 6 F&B Outlets, 10 Conference Rooms, Fitness Center, Swimming Pools.
- Replacement of the General Manager while absent.
Executive Assistant Manager
Holiday Inn Resort Penang, Malaysia
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Company Overview: www.ihg.com
- In charge of the following departments; The whole Operational Department this includes Food and Beverage, Rooms Division, Security, Engineering and Quality and Control Department.
- Hotel features 356 Rooms, 2 Restaurants, 6 Conference Rooms, Fitness Center and Swimming Pools.
- Replacement of the General Manager while absent.
Task Force; Front Office Manager
Intercontinental Grand Standford Hong Kong
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Company Overview: www.ihg.com
- In charge of the following departments; Front Office, Guest Relations, Concierge, Club Lounge, Instant Service Center and Airport Representatives. Hotel features 576 Rooms, 4 Restaurants, 4 Conference Rooms, 2 Spa’s, Fitness Center and Swimming Pool.
- Recruited to improve service standards as well as quality standards according to the IHG Policies, Guest Satisfaction Tracking System as well as Mystery Shopper.
Director of Rooms
Crowne Plaza Kaohsiung E-Da World
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Company Overview: www.ihg.com
- Director of Rooms at IHG Crowne Plaza Kaohsiung E-Da World, Kaohsiung Taiwan
- Opening of Crowne Plaza Kaohsiung E-Da World, Taiwan.
- Hotel features 656 Rooms, 5 Restaurants, 2 Ballrooms, 20’000 m2 Convention centre, Tea Tree Spa, Sauna, Kurhaus, Indoor and Outdoor Pools, Fitness Center, Kids club and Tennis courts. Hotel is part of E-Da World.
- Supervising the overall activities of Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Recreation, Health Club and Tea Tree Spa.
- Procurement; ordering operating equipment / supplies, obtaining quotations, confirming samples, finalizing / summarizing FF&E, HOES budget reviewed, tender process, down payment and confirmation of orders and delivery
- Recruitment; manning guide / organization chart, salary scale, compensation and benefits, recruitment schedule, obtained company approval, placed recruitment ads, interviews, final selection, letter of intention / employment agreement and confirming starting date of rank and file
- Training; customize P/P’s and SOP’s, customize departmental training plans, system training; Holidex System Training; Priority Club Rewards, system training and trial run; Property Management System.
- Opening Processes; punch list, risk management, cleaning, exterior and interior signage, set-up, dry run, trial and error
- Coordinates exchange of pertinent information between departments within the Rooms Division and directs exchange of information with other departments.
- Consults with Department Heads and General Manager on an ongoing basis.
- Maintains appropriate standards of conduct, dress, hygiene, uniforms, appearance and posture of Room Division employees
- Assist in managing hotel revenue generation and maximization through full utilization of company systems, business processes and specifications.
- Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses, and maximize profitability within all areas of responsibility.
Hotel Manager
The (Regent Formosa) Splendor Hotel
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Company Overview: www.thesplendor-tc.com
- Hotel Manager at The (Regent Formosa) Splendor Hotel, Taichung Taiwan
- Room Division Manager 2007 - 2008
- Front Office Manager 2006 - 2007
- Decreased staff turnover by 40%.
- Implemented a detailed Standard Operations Procedures (SOP’s) Manual.
- Implemented Yield Management
- Implemented theme rooms and new promotional / marketing activities
- Implemented a language bonus system for employees.
- Opened an Executive Lounge for our VIP Guests.
- Implemented a Return Guest Promotion Plan.
- Organized various seminars / trainings for staff.
- Budget / sales figures were kept in line with the company’s objective.
- Built a strong relationship between staff, management team and guests.
- Increased online sales and created an online hotel booking system.
Front Office Supervisor
Hilton Hotels
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Company Overview: www.hilton.com
- Five Star Airport Hotel, Hilton Schiphol Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- All-round experience including, check in / out, guest complaint handling, supervising staff, budget control, administration, yield management, trainings.
Management Internship Front Office / Sales Executive
Fraser Suites Serviced Residences
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Company Overview: www.fraserhospitality.com
- Serviced Residences, Seoul South Korea
- Successfully targeted new accounts “ING, ABN AMRO Bank, Netherlands Embassy”
- Developed and executed various training programs.
- Organized various activities for our long-staying guests
- Enhance and deepen the relationships between the hotel and the guests
Restaurant Supervisor
Independent / Non Group
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Operational Restaurant Supervisor in a famous and upscale restaurant in The Netherlands.
Internship Front Office
Radisson SAS Hotels
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Internship at the Radisson SAS Portman Hotel, London and Radisson SAS Parklane, Antwerp
- All-round experience including, check in / out, guest complaint handling, administration work.
Restaurant Waiter / Supervisor
Independent / Non Group
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Operational Restaurant Waiter / Supervisor
Education
Bachelor Degree - Hospitality Management
Hotelschool The Hague, International University for Hospitality Management
01.2004
Certificate Secondary Hotel and Catering Education - undefined
Hotel Management School “Spijker”
01.2000
Skills
Branch operations
Key account management
Operations management
Administrative leadership
Staff training and development
Team development
Organizational development
Staff development
Human resources management
Innovation management
Customer service
Friendly and positive
Problem-solving
Customer experience management
Team leadership
Team building and leadership
Multitasking and organization
Certification
Wine Qualifications Vinologie Exam (www.hotelschool.nl) 2003
Interests
Date of birth: 26th July 1980, Marital status: Married, Nationality: Dutch / British, Interests: Scuba diving, tennis, field hockey, sailing and literature
PERSONAL
References available upon request.
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 500+staff members.
- Achieved new pension & retirement scheme, new pay mechanismtasks.
Affiliations
Board Member Dutch Chamber of Commerce Korea
Rotary International Club Seoul
Timeline
Area Head Korea & Taiwan
Cathay Pacific Airways
08.2023 - Current
Country Manager Philippines
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX)
08.2021 - 08.2023
Crew Services Manager
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX)
01.2018 - 01.2021
Flight Crew Service Delivery Manager
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX)
01.2015 - 01.2018
Resident Manager
Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG)
01.2013 - 01.2015
Executive Assistant Manager
Holiday Inn Resort Penang, Malaysia
01.2011 - 01.2013
Task Force; Front Office Manager
Intercontinental Grand Standford Hong Kong
01.2010 - 01.2011
Director of Rooms
Crowne Plaza Kaohsiung E-Da World
01.2009 - 01.2010
Hotel Manager
The (Regent Formosa) Splendor Hotel
01.2006 - 01.2009
Front Office Supervisor
Hilton Hotels
01.2004 - 01.2006
Management Internship Front Office / Sales Executive
Fraser Suites Serviced Residences
01.2003 - 01.2004
Restaurant Supervisor
Independent / Non Group
01.2000 - 01.2003
Internship Front Office
Radisson SAS Hotels
01.1999 - 01.2000
Restaurant Waiter / Supervisor
Independent / Non Group
01.1996 - 01.2000
Certificate Secondary Hotel and Catering Education - undefined
Hotel Management School “Spijker”
Bachelor Degree - Hospitality Management
Hotelschool The Hague, International University for Hospitality Management