SINGAPORE  — Louis T Collection [Louis T] laid another stone in its foundation with the appointment of Akira Park as general manager of Mantra Samui Resort. Located on Thailand’s idyllic Koh Samui Island, the hotel is the first for the new hospitality and building solutions company.

Park spent most of his hospitality career with Hyatt Hotels, starting in the USA, before moving to Korea. His most recent post was in China where he was involved in opening a hotel in Qingdao.

The studious manager holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and an MBA in finance. He also studied computer science at an undergraduate level for two years, which helped define his passion for technology and science.

With his marketing, computer science, and finance background, the 35-year-old may not fit the typical mould of a hotelier. But he enjoys interacting with a wide range of people, which is what attracted him to the industry.

“He’s got integrity. He’s open-minded. He looks outside the box, and he’s continually challenging why things are done, said Adam Simkins, Louis T’s co-founder and board member of Louis T Leonowens (Thailand) Limited. “As a manager, he appeals equally to guests, staff and owners.”

While the hotel’s re-styling and upgrades are being set, the new general manager has already begun making changes. The renovations have started at the back of house with new operating equipment, and upgraded offices and employee areas.

“I want our staff to smile because they want to, not because managers tell them to smile.  To do that, we first need to exceed employee expectations,” said Park. “At Louis T our motto is Live Life, Enjoy It. This applies to our customers as well as our staff.”

Louis T’s first hotel features spacious rooms and suites ranging in size from 50 – 100 square meters, a 24-meter long outdoor infinity pool with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Thailand, a full spa, and an al fresco restaurant. The property will remain open during the renovations.