Kuok Hui Kwong

Kuok Hui Kwong has transformed a family inheritance into earned leadership, becoming CEO of one of Asia's most iconic hospitality groups. As head of Shangri-La Asia from August 2025, she commands a hospitality empire spanning over 100 hotels across four brands—Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Kerry Hotels, JEN and Traders.

After studying East Asian Studies at Harvard, Kuok joined Shangri-La in 2014, working across operations, sales and business development. Appointed Chairman and Executive Director in January 2017, she navigated industry disruption and the COVID-19 crisis differently than competitors—prioritising employee retention as a strategic asset rather than slashing costs. This commitment to staff welfare enabled Shangri-La to retain talent and service excellence that competitors lost, positioning the company for stronger recovery.

Under her leadership, Shangri-La Asia expanded into new markets, garnered prestigious sustainability and culinary awards, affirming its position as an innovator in values-driven luxury hospitality. By prioritising talent retention and authentic guest experiences, she helped the group deliver rising revenues, industry recognition and enduring service excellence despite sector-wide challenges.

This philosophy shaped Shangri-La's transformation: operational sustainability, technology-enabled personalisation and authentic luxury for younger guests valuing both elegance and purpose. Her strategic vision—recognised through her ranking as 40th on Forbes Asia's Power Businesswomen 2025 list—has positioned her as a leader reshaping luxury hospitality for a new generation.