Swire Hotels Announces New Senior Management Appointments for The House Collective and EAST Hotels
Shanghai, China, May 2021 – Swire Hotels is pleased to announce the latest appointments of three members of the senior management team of The House Collective and EAST Hotels. Kristina Snaith-Lense, Olivier Dumonceaux, and Giovanni Beretta will assume new roles starting in 2021. They have all served the group for many years and have held positions in multiple cities, embodying Swire Hotels' core value of putting people first to foster the company's prosperity.
Swire Hotels is consistently committed to discovering and nurturing exceptional talent, helping them achieve long-term career growth within the group. Kristina has been with Swire for nearly 10 years since joining as Assistant Director of Guest Relations at The Upper House, Hong Kong, in 2012. Guided by a philosophy of delivering exceptional service, she passionately leads her team and has achieved remarkable results. In 2017, she became Hotel Manager of The Middle House, Shanghai, overseeing pre-opening operations. Later, after returning to Hong Kong in 2019, she served as Hotel Manager of The Upper House, Hong Kong. In 2021, Kristina will be promoted to General Manager, responsible for all aspects of The Upper House, Hong Kong, and The Residences, Pacific Place.
Kristina Snaith-Lense
General Manager, The Upper House, Hong Kong
“I am fortunate to spend every day with some truly remarkable people, whether it’s my team, our guests, or our brand partners. What makes hotel operations so special is that no two days are the same; there are unexpected surprises every day, and that’s what I love most. There are thrilling ‘performances’ and also the drama of handling unforeseen situations.
For me, the staff of The House Collective work tirelessly to provide comforting service and create highly personalized experiences for guests. I am very grateful to work alongside them every day,” said Kristina, the new General Manager of The Upper House, Hong Kong.
Olivier began his career in the hotel industry in Lyon, France, and later gained extensive experience working in nine different countries, which has enabled him to excel in his role at Swire Hotels. In 2014, Olivier served as Director of Food & Beverage at The Temple House, Chengdu, marking his formal entry into the Swire Hotels team. As this award-winning hotel officially opened, he was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager. Subsequently, he served as Hotel Manager of The Opposite House, Beijing, from 2018. Following the successful renovation project of The Opposite House, he was promoted to General Manager in January of this year. His dynamic working style will further enhance his role as General Manager of The Opposite House, Beijing.
Olivier Dumonceaux
General Manager, The Opposite House, Beijing
“Employees are the core and soul of the brand. I am truly honored to lead such a passionate and creative team. Now, with the completion of The Opposite House’s renovation and the gradual opening of new restaurants and bars, my team and I look forward to delivering unparalleled experiences for our guests with even more exceptional service,” said Olivier.
Giovanni has over 25 years of experience in the hotel industry. After joining Swire Hotels as General Manager of EAST, Miami, he served as Vice President of Swire Hotels in the United States in 2015, becoming an indispensable talent for the group. In early 2021, Giovanni relocated to Hong Kong with his wife and two children and will subsequently serve as Group Director of Operations.
“My family and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn about Hong Kong, a place with a long history and rich culture. I look forward to working hand in hand with our colleagues in Asia to maintain and elevate the two hotel brands under Swire, continuing their unique propositions and high standards, and of course, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey!” said Giovanni.
Giovanni Beretta
Group Director of Operations, Swire Hotels
As Group Director of Operations, Giovanni’s responsibilities will expand to include overseeing all hotels and restaurants in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Miami. His extensive experience and proficiency in five languages have laid a solid foundation for his new role.
Andres Garcia will continue as Hotel Manager of EAST, Miami, overseeing all aspects of hotel operations. Andres joined Swire Hotels in this role in 2017, managing EAST’s most iconic Uruguayan restaurant, Quinto La Huella, as well as the award-winning rooftop restaurant and bars, Sugar and Tea Room.
Dean Winter, Executive Director of Swire Hotels, said, “At Swire Hotels, we firmly believe that long-term collaboration is the foundation of a great team, and we also pay close attention to the personal growth of our team members. These values have shaped the success of The House Collective and EAST Hotels today. Kristina, Olivier, Giovanni, and Andres have demonstrated great passion and dedication in their respective roles, driving the development of their hotels. We are excited to see the changes they will bring to their new positions.”
About Swire Hotels
Swire Hotels was established to further develop the business of its two hotel brands, The House Collective and EAST, across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the United States. Each hotel breaks away from conventional styles, offering high-end unique experiences for travelers who seek individuality, taste, and attentive service.
The House Collective comprises carefully designed, highly personalized hotels whose characteristics vary by location. It began with The Opposite House in Beijing, which opened in 2008, followed by The Upper House in Hong Kong, The Temple House in Chengdu, and the latest, The Middle House in Shanghai, which opened in 2018. EAST is a lifestyle business hotel brand that emphasizes work-life balance, with properties in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Miami. Located in core business districts, EAST brings the vibrant energy of the city to every guest.
