KWANTAE LEE
APAC Business Development Executive
Summary
Dynamic business development executive with over 20 years of experience driving substantial revenue growth and spearheading market expansion across the APAC region. Known for visionary leadership in distributor management, go-to-market strategy, and forging influential partnerships. Brings specialized expertise in F&B pre-opening and brand development, consistently delivering successful market entries and brand-building initiatives. A results-driven strategist who inspires teams to exceed sales targets, optimize operations, and create impactful, market-specific solutions that elevate profitability and strengthen brand equity.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
President Director (CEO)
PT Nube Sembilan SCBD
11.2023 - 7 2024
- Successfully led a delayed project and launched an 11,000 m² F&B multiplex within one month, achieving a transition from a negative financial position to profitability in the same timeframe.
- Built and led a team of 60+, ensuring top operational performance.
- Boosted brand visibility through strategic partnerships with leading media and influencers.
F&B Consultant
AK & Company (Self-Employed)
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Developed brand concepts for restaurants and bars, driving market engagement across SEA.
- Strengthened brand positioning with strategic market analysis and recommendations.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
Managing Director
Modern Fitness Korea Co. Ltd. (Anytime Fitness Korea)
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Launched three new branches and led operations for a total of six locations, resulting in a 66% increase in membership and a 30% improvement in ROI.
- Implemented strategic initiatives that reduced operational costs by 25%, enhancing profitability by 40%.
- Established a franchise MOU with AF Japan, creating significant franchise growth opportunities in Korea.
Executive Director
AK & Company (Self-Employed)
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Boosted digital presence for restaurants with the “360 Digital Brand Power” package, driving customer engagement.
- Developed a PB strategy for New World Group, elevating market share in Korea’s hypermarkets.
- Enhanced Anytime Fitness service standards, significantly improving customer satisfaction.
Asia Pacific Regional Hospitality Account Manager & Korea Country Manager (Dual Role)
Amer Sports Asia Service Ltd. (Precor Division)
07.2014 - 05.2020
- Generated $1M in direct sales in one quarter by creating a new distribution channel.
- Doubled APAC Hospitality B2B revenue to $8M in a year, securing strategic partnerships.
- Grew APAC market share from 20% to 40%.
APAC Senior Regional Business Development Manager
Pacific Coast Feather HK Ltd.
07.2008 - 06.2014
- Exceeded sales targets by 20%, adding 120 new regional accounts in APAC.
- Established a Hong Kong export office, consistently leading teams to surpass goals.
- Developed co-branded luxury bedding programs in collaboration with global hotel chains, driving brand recognition and strengthening regional client relationships.
Associate Director of Business Development
Bestar(HK) Co. Ltd.
07.2006 - 07.2008
- Led business development across China, expanding markets and securing high-value partnerships.
- Identified growth opportunities and optimized customer relationship strategies.
- Enhanced corporate relations by fostering strategic alliances with key industry stakeholders, supporting sustainable business growth.
Guest Relations Manager & Executive Club Manager (Dual Role)
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hotels & Resorts (IHG)
10.2004 - 03.2006
- Transformed guest relations and executive club services, delivering top satisfaction to VIPs and long-stay guests.
- Streamlined executive floor operations, achieving premier service ratings and elevating guest experience.
Restaurant Manager (Pre-Opening Team)
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hotels & Resorts (IHG)
01.2002 - 11.2002
- Spearheaded the pre-opening of a flagship restaurant, setting operational foundations for long-term success.
- Introduced innovative service protocols, boosting customer satisfaction and revenue.
Assistant Store Manager
Carrefour Korea
08.1998 - 08.1999
- Led Beverage and Dry Food departments, optimizing inventory and budgeting to drive profit.
- Enhanced customer experience by collaborating with suppliers to ensure quality and availability.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Hospitality Management
Les Roches
Crans-Montana, Switzerland 01-2004
Skills
- Strategic B2B & Go-To-Market (GTM) Initiatives
- Integrated Marketing Strategy & Digital Marketing Proficiency
- Negotiation & Contract Management
- Project & Cross-Functional Team Management
- Market Research, Analysis, & Customer Relationship Management
- Distributor & Account Management
- Budgeting, Cost Control, & Financial Oversight
- Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Timeline
President Director (CEO)
PT Nube Sembilan SCBD
11.2023 - 7 2024
F&B Consultant
AK & Company (Self-Employed)
02.2023 - 10.2023
Managing Director
Modern Fitness Korea Co. Ltd. (Anytime Fitness Korea)
08.2021 - 01.2023
Executive Director
AK & Company (Self-Employed)
06.2020 - 07.2021
Asia Pacific Regional Hospitality Account Manager & Korea Country Manager (Dual Role)
Amer Sports Asia Service Ltd. (Precor Division)
07.2014 - 05.2020
APAC Senior Regional Business Development Manager
Pacific Coast Feather HK Ltd.
07.2008 - 06.2014
Associate Director of Business Development
Bestar(HK) Co. Ltd.
07.2006 - 07.2008
Guest Relations Manager & Executive Club Manager (Dual Role)
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hotels & Resorts (IHG)
10.2004 - 03.2006
Restaurant Manager (Pre-Opening Team)
Crowne Plaza Hotel Hotels & Resorts (IHG)
01.2002 - 11.2002
Assistant Store Manager
Carrefour Korea
08.1998 - 08.1999
Bachelor of Business Administration - Hospitality Management
Les Roches
Similar Profiles
NUR IZATUL ASIKIN RASHIDNUR IZATUL ASIKIN RASHID
Admin Assistant (NE4 Contract) at IRB Negeri Sembilan/Pejabat Satelit JempolAdmin Assistant (NE4 Contract) at IRB Negeri Sembilan/Pejabat Satelit Jempol
ITHYAP PRIYAITHYAP PRIYA
MANAGER QUALITY ASSURANCE AND MEDICAL AFFAIRS at AURELIUS HOSPITAL NEGERI SEMBILANMANAGER QUALITY ASSURANCE AND MEDICAL AFFAIRS at AURELIUS HOSPITAL NEGERI SEMBILAN
GIRIJA SANKAR RAOGIRIJA SANKAR RAO
Production Manager at Nube CirrusProduction Manager at Nube Cirrus
B.P. RAVINDRANB.P. RAVINDRAN
GROUP PRESIDENT,DIRECTOR & CEO- Pan India & GCC at Waycool Foods and Products Private LimitedGROUP PRESIDENT,DIRECTOR & CEO- Pan India & GCC at Waycool Foods and Products Private Limited
ALISSA HARRODALISSA HARROD
Vice President of Operations & Strategy / Interim CEO / Executive Director of Business Development & Marketing at OnSite Advanced CareVice President of Operations & Strategy / Interim CEO / Executive Director of Business Development & Marketing at OnSite Advanced Care