KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 10): Hong Kong-based airport lounge operator Plaza Premium Group (PPG), owned by its Malaysian founder and chief executive officer Song Hoi-See, has put in place the next-generation of family leaders on its path to continued expansion.
In a statement on Tuesday, PPG announced the promotion of Hoi-See's two children to senior roles in the group. Global director of business development Jonathan Song has been promoted to the role of chief commercial officer, while director of global brands and transformation Song Mei Mei has been named chief transformation officer of the group.
“As the founder of a family-run global business, I am immensely proud that both my children have been actively involved in growing PPG. Combined, they have spent more than two decades working with all of our dedicated teams, and have experienced first-hand the many changes in the travel industry,” said Hoi-see.
“As business continues to recover, we believe this is the right time to build up our leadership structure, and to place more responsibility into the hands of the next generation.”
PPG said in his new capacity, Jonathan will spearhead the global development of new airport hospitality services and facilities in new airports. He will also lead key strategic partnerships, enhancing and growing sales channels, product development, and drive PPG's loyalty programme — Smart Traveller.
"Watching my parents build the business from zero base was a formative experience that taught me invaluable lessons. Their tireless efforts established a rock-solid foundation for PPG, leading it to become a global leader in airport hospitality services. I am ready to bring in fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to PPG, elevating it to new heights and driving even greater impact within the industry," said Jonathan in the statement.
Meanwhile, Mei Mei will oversee the brand’s evolution and implement transformation initiatives, including enhancing customer experiences, diversifying PPG’s sales mix and anticipating future trends and opportunities. She is also leading PPG’s sustainability strategy.
“Growing up in this family business, airports were my playground,” she said. “Now, as I fly frequently for PPG, airports are my office, and I have witnessed the tremendous transformations in the travel industry, and seen PPG grow and evolve. I am excited to turn my observations into innovative ways to help reshape the future of travel.”
Launched in 1998, PPG is known to be the world's first to introduce the independent airport lounge concept that is open to the masses. Today, PPG operates in 30 countries, 75 airports, and serves more than 20 million customers a year.
Hoi-See wholly owns PPG with his wife and executive director Linda.