Senior vice-president and co-founder, Banyan Tree Holdings; Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
The Banyan Tree executive is an international hospitality player and activist
Claire Chiang is co-founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, a global developer and operator of resorts, urban hotels and destination spas in various destinations. The group’s portfolio revolves around five brands: Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, which were all founded on the core values of well-being and sustainability.
Since its inception in 1994, Banyan Tree Holdings has received over 2,700 industry awards and accolades. It has also been recognised for its environmental protection and community development initiatives through the Banyan Tree Global Foundation, which is matched to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 2021 is a busy year for the group, pandemic notwithstanding: it launched new properties in Cambodia, Indonesia and China, as well as its first establishments in the Middle East (Qatar), Europe (Greece) and Africa (Mozambique).
Chiang is also a strong advocate of various social issues, helping to raise awareness of family violence, female board representation, work-life balance, and animal conservation, among others. She is a trustee of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund, chairs the Singapore Book Council and is a National Arts Council member.
Awards
2008
Justice of the Peace
2008
Public Service Medal
2014
Public Service Star
2017
Friend of the Arts
2018
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations Hall of Fame
2020
Bold Women Entrepreneurs Award (China)
Did You Know?
The first Banyan Tree resort opened in Phuket in 1994, on the site of an abandoned tin mine that used to be polluted. The firm spent much time and effort reinstating the site, and the experience made environmental sustainability a key part of its ethos.