Up Close and Personal With: Josephine Chiu, Vice President of Procurement at Dorsett Hospitality

Tatler interviews Hong Kong-based Josephine Chiu, vice president of procurement at Dorsett Hospitality

Take an insider’s look into the lives of some of the most interesting and prominent characters with Tatler’s new interview series, Up Close and Personal With...

From business accomplishments to guilty pleasures, few topics are off-limits as we get up close and personal with Hong Kong’s Tatler community.

In this column, we take a look into the life of Josephine Chiu, vice president of procurement for Dorsett Hospitality International. Charged with overseeing 23 hotels in 13 cities including Hong Kong, London and Brisbane, Chiu has a lot on her plate.

As the youngest daughter of the CEO and chairman of Far East Consortium David Chiu and wife Nancy, Chiu is a graduate from King’s College in London, with a degree in business management and an enviable CV that lists stints at some of banking’s biggest names: Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, to name a few. However, in 2009, the family business came calling and Chiu hasn’t looked back since.

Here, she talks to Tatler about her admiration for her grandfather Deacon Chiu, the founder of the Far East Consortium conglomerate and her love for Indian culture.

Above (Photography: Affa Chan)

What does Hong Kong mean to you?

Hong Kong is my favourite place in the world. It’s where my family and friends are.

Describe your business ventures in a nutshell.

We are a real estate developer with residential property, hotels and car parks. Ritz Carlton Perth is our latest edition and we will be opening a hotel in Tokyo at end of this year.

What are some odd jobs you did during university?

I was a sales associate in Harvey Nichols when I was a student. It taught me how to communicate with different people.

What’s your typical day like?

Every day is different. I have been focusing on our residential projects in Guangzhou and London at the moment. I hope we can travel soon, as my job requires a lot of travelling.

Above (Photography: Affa Chan)

Who is the most notable person you ever met?

It would be my grandfather Deacon Chiu. My grandfather was someone I truly respect and admire because he had great integrity and was hardworking, kind and very knowledgeable.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

It would definitely be swimming. I used to be on the swim team in school (my favourite stroke was freestyle)

What is the worst punishment you ever got from your parents growing up?

My parents never really punished us. They would only feel disappointed [towards us].

Above (Photography: Affa Chan)

If you could be a fly on the wall, where would you land?

I would land in India. The country has a long history of culture and fantastic architecture like the Taj Mahal and the temples.

What do you do in your spare time?

I have been staying home a lot during Covid-19. It has given me more time to focus on myself and what I would like to achieve in life.

Name a product or service you love so much that you’d happily be that company’s spokesperson.

My favourite product would be La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion. It helps my skin feel radiant even when I do not get enough sleep.

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Up Close and Personal With: Josephine Chiu, Vice President of Procurement at Dorsett Hospitality