Talking hospitality with William E. Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International

Talking hospitality with William E. Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International

William (Bill) Heinecke is the driving force behind Minor International. Here, we learn more about how his visionary spirit, unwavering commitment and hands-on management style have contributed to the success of the hotel group.  

How would you describe your leadership style? 

I would describe it as entrepreneurial. Therefore, I try to surround myself with people far smarter than I am so that I can learn from them. I’m very curious, and I really enjoy learning from my team. It is my role to support them and let them pave the way forward.

What has been your biggest career achievement? 

My family keeps me grounded and motivated. Also, having grandchildren and a great-grandchild makes me think even more about the future, as well as what needs to be done to create a better world for them and how Minor International can be a positive part of that.

What is the latest trend in hospitality and how is your brand adapting to it? 

Coming out of the pandemic has encouraged people to tick things off their bucket list. Thus it is all about enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences and to live life as if today is your last. Hence, experiential travel, continues to be at the forefront of the industry and is growing in importance. I would add that bleisure, multi-gen travel and wellness are all significant trends that continue to gain momentum.

Where does the company stand in terms of its growth trajectory and its strategy for the MENA region? 

Minor Hotels continues to expand its portfolio through organic expansion and acquisitions. In the MENA region, we currently operate over 25 hotels and resorts across five brands in four countries, with a strong pipeline of properties, including the group’s upcoming debut in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Our next launch in the region will be the much-anticipated Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, our first resort in the emirate and one we are really excited about.

 

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Heinecke will be speaking at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), taking place from 25-27 September at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. He will have an on stage conversation with HARDTalk Presenter Stephen Sackur in the session titled: “Navigators of Change: Insights of a CEO’s Journey.” For more information on FHS, please visit futurehospitalitysummit.com/ae/

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About author

Rita Ghantous

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.

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