The latest wave of change in leadership has just wafted across Jakarta’s hotel scene. Three major properties have announced new general managers, each bringing their own unique background, experience and fresh perspectives to their roles. All ready and eager to turn the tides for excellence.
25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta
The first hotel to welcome its new general manager is the 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta. Welcoming the Danish-born Jesper Soerensen, with over 23 years of global experience, his vast experience makes him a veteran in the hospitality industry. Jesper’s impressive career has taken him from London to the Maldives, through iconic hotels like Ian Schrager’s Sanderson and St. Martin’s Lane. His background in luxury lifestyle hospitality proves that he is an ideal fit for 25hours, which emphasises experience-driven stays and a “Come as You Are” philosophy. His leadership promises to foster collaboration, community engagement, and a sense of individuality, all the key elements the hotel wishes to embody.
With Jesper leading the team, the 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta is determined to be a vibrant hub in Jakarta’s ever-so-alive SCBD. Despite being situated in the midst of tall concrete buildings the hotel offers a lush garden and retro urban rooms that make the perfect sanctuary for those seeking an oasis in the middle of a busy city. Jesper’s vision for 25hours includes not only providing top-notch hospitality but also creating a welcoming space for travellers seeking authentic connections. His arrival marks a new chapter for the 25hours brand in Indonesia, blending international sophistication with local cultural influences.
District 8, SCBD Lot 28, Jl. Jend. Sudirman kav 52-53 | +6221 72888888 | oddbird@25hours-hotels.com
HARRIS & POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading
At HARRIS & POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading, Francisco Holmes-Brown steps in as General Manager, bringing over 20 years of hospitality management experience to the table. Francisco has worked with international brands across ten countries and four continents, known for his excellent reputation in operational and team leadership, Francisco makes a standout choice for this dynamic property. Appointed on 7 October 2024, one of Francisco’s focuses in his tenure is to enhance the hotel’s guest satisfaction and drive business growth.
Francisco also intends to boost guest services, team development, and operational efficiency while maintaining the hotel’s lively, modern atmosphere. Known for providing exceptional value for both business and leisure travellers, HARRIS & POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading has long been a favourite destination. Under Francisco’s leadership, the hotel is set to continue thriving in Jakarta’s competitive market, with plans for new initiatives to further strengthen its appeal.
Jl. Bulevar Kelapa Gading Blok M, Jakarta 14240 | resspv-harrispop-kelapagading@tauzia.com
Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites
Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites welcomes Andreas Kahl as its new General Manager. With a solid background from the Hotel Management School Südliche Weinstraße in Germany and over two decades of experience across Europe, the UAE, and Asia, Kahl brings his prowess in international hospitality to the role. His expertise in front office and revenue management provides a solid foundation for him to take the hotel’s quality to new heights, especially when it comes to innovation and guest satisfaction.
Andreas is committed to enhancing service quality at Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL Suites, aiming to create an inclusive, service-oriented environment. His global experience and leadership are expected to bring a fresh perspective, helping the hotel maintain its reputation as a premier destination for travellers in Jakarta. Under his guidance, the hotel is poised to elevate its guest experience while strengthening its position in the competitive Indonesian market.
Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. II No.3, Setiabudi, South Jakarta | 021-5268833 | artotelgroup.com
Pan Pacific Jakarta
Pan Pacific Jakarta is entering a new era of leadership with the appointment of Sjefke Jansen as Complex General Manager, overseeing Pan Pacific Jakarta, PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Jakarta, and PARKROYAL Jakarta. With over 25 years of global experience in luxury hospitality, Jansen brings a wealth of knowledge from his stints across top-tier hotels in Qatar, Russia, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Mauritius. His most recent role was Regional General Manager in Doha, Qatar, where he managed five properties, demonstrating his expertise in handling complex hotel operations.
Jansen’s appointment marks an exciting time for Pan Pacific Jakarta, as Indonesia’s tallest hotel continues to distinguish itself in the country’s ever competitive hospitality industry. Jansen expressed his enthusiasm for working in Jakarta, stating that he looks forward to collaborating with the talented team to elevate the hotel’s reputation for grace and innovation. With his extensive operational prowess and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, Jansen is well-positioned to further enhance the Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s standing as a leader in luxury hospitality in Indonesia. His love for travel, running, and gourmet food also reflects his well-rounded approach to both his personal life and professional career.
Thamrin Nine, Luminary Tower | Jl. MH Thamrin No 10, Jakarta Pusat | +6221 50820002 | panpacific.com/jakarta
The Westin Jakarta
The Westin Jakarta announces the appointment of Thomas Glaser as its new General Manager, where he will oversee all executive and operational aspects of one of Jakarta’s highest five-star hotels, ensuring the elevated standards of service and guest experience. With over 20 years of extensive hospitality experience to The Westin Jakarta, he previously served as General Manager at Hilton Bandung for four years, where he successfully repositioned the hotel, enhanced operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Glaser’s previous roles include Commercial Director and Director of Operations at Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Residences from 2016 to 2020 – where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in both business development and operational excellence – and key positions at renowned hotels like Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg, Sheraton Essen Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. Thanks to his diverse background, he is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences. Outside of his professional life, Glaser enjoys traveling, sports like golf and fitness, reading, cooking and travel photography.
The Westin Jakarta | Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. C-22 Jakarta, Indonesia 12940 | T: +62 21 2788 7788 | westin.com/jakarta
