THE INTERVIEW : CLAIRE CHIANG
launch of more than 80 retail outlets worldwide . Today , she focuses on the acquisition of new hotel management contracts in China ( she can take most of the credit for a 40-hotel China pipeline ) and chairs the company ’ s Human Capital Development Task Force , where she guides key issues in organizational and human capital capability .
Chiang is also chairperson of the Banyan Tree Global Foundation , which was established in 2009 to direct the group ’ s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its mission to “ Embrace the Environment , Empower the People .”
HOTELS : How can you be a socialist and capitalist hotelier at the same time ?
Claire Chiang : First principles do not change — like the Ten Commandments . In the same way , we work together as corporation . What is the purpose of this collective effort ? That is the next question . It is not just getting more money ; it is about how we get this money that gives it meaning and relevance . These are the filter processes we go through to decide where we plant the next Banyan Tree , who we engage to develop it , how we build and how we train and positively seed the community at every entry point . We are not just building a hotel . Through hotels we develop the
Banyan Tree ’ s Global Foundation is looking at creating a craft and trading center for the poorest part of northern Thailand where people can learn about new fabrics and weaving techniques .
community . We take care of the terrain and develop it responsibly . We need to enhance the community with pipes and electricity , and provide a living for those who want to move up . We look for increasing development in a holistic manner .
Pool villa at the Banyan Tree in Shanghai
H : How does that philosophy transfer to already developed cities like Shanghai ?
CC : Cities are not always citadels of prosperity and progress . In Shanghai , our space was a dump 10 years ago . That is where we see ourselves playing the role of an urban trigger and oasis . Give it a trigger and a multiplier effect to bring in more development . And there are always people who need a retreat from the business of city life . I don ’ t see a contradiction . The same principals of leisure apply to a busy city center . We capture what is lost in city living by adding a Banyan Tree . H : How do you best work with
Chinese developers ?
CC : Being a woman really helps . I am a woman , so there is immediate gender distance and respect . Because I am older , the age factor sets me apart . They call me big sister . It sets the tone . For me , working in China is a lot easier . There is no golfing . We are focused . The biggest challenge for me is in the way Chinese like to deal with local authorities when they meet with us . There are more dinners , and they can be quite laborious — but very necessary . I had to grasp the protocol — even though I am Singaporean-Chinese .
32 HOTELS April 2013 www . hotelsmag . com