About Me

Affendy Ismail

Independent Hospitality Strategist · Penang, Malaysia

Former Hotel General Manager with 39 years of experience managing properties across Southeast Asia. I’ve led turnarounds, pre-openings, and operational restructures for independent and branded hotels ranging from 80 to 400 keys.

Now working as an independent consultant and owner’s representative — helping hotel owners protect their assets, improve cash flow, and reduce operational risk. My approach is hands-on, data-driven, and always focused on outcomes that matter to the bottom line.

Achievements

51%

GOP

Achieved 51% Gross Operating Profit at Grand President Serviced Apartment, Bangkok

THB 22M

over budget

Exceeded revenue budget by THB 22 million in a single year at Grand President

Top 7%

TripAdvisor

Ranked in the top 7% of all Bangkok hotels on TripAdvisor at President Solitaire

6-Star

pre-opening

Led the pre-opening of a 6-star boutique resort at Heritage Bay Club, Terengganu

Experience

2025 — Present

Independent Consultant

Self-employed · Penang, Malaysia

Providing consulting, owner representation, and pre-opening management services to hotel owners across Southeast Asia.

2013 — 2025

Cluster General Manager

Galleria 10 & Galleria 12 Hotel Sukhumvit · Bangkok

Led operations across a twin-property cluster (352 keys). Rebranded Galleria 10 from Ramada by Wyndham and pre-opened Galleria 12. Achieved 50–60% GOP with a staffing ratio of 0.3 per room.

2011 — 2013

General Manager

Marvel Hotel Bangkok · Grand 5 Hotel and Plaza · Bangkok

Rebranded Marvel Hotel (221 keys) from an Accor property to an independent. Worked with design, contractor and architecture teams on Grand 5 Hotel and Plaza development; responsible for FF&E procurement.

2008 — 2011

General Manager

President Solitaire Hotel & Spa · Bangkok

Managed 134-key hotel with Ananda Spa (15 private treatment rooms). Best-performing hotel on Wotif.com/Asiaweb Direct for room nights and revenue in 2008. Ranked in top 7% of Bangkok hotels on TripAdvisor.

2007 — 2008

Resident Manager

Grand President Serviced Executive Apartment · Bangkok

Responsible for daily operations of a 436-key property. Implemented Easy 1 and E-Log systems. Oversaw refurbishment of F&B outlet and guest rooms. Achieved 51% GOP and exceeded budget by THB 22M in 2008.

2006 — 2007

Resort Manager

Heritage Bay Club (Monsoon Cup) · Terengganu, Malaysia

Pre-opening of a 58-room, 6-star boutique resort. Organised the Annual Monsoon Cup Gala Dinner for a world-class sailing competition. Headed development of 13 executive chalets and ensured compliance for the Rulers Conference 2008.

2005 — 2006

Director of Rooms

Hotel Istana · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Managed daily operations of Front Office, Reservations, Housekeeping, Laundry and Maintenance for a 516-key hotel. Protocol & Butler Service trainer for the ASEAN Summit and NAM event. Oversaw refurbishment of rooms, spa, gym and F&B outlets.

2004 — 2005

Director of Rooms

Puteri Pan Pacific Hotel · Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Responsible for daily operations of a 476-key hotel. Privatised and improved standards for third-party services including valet parking, travel and tour desk, and retail outlets.

Affendy Ismail

Independent Consultant

Cluster General Manager

General Manager

General Manager

Resident Manager

Resort Manager

Director of Rooms

Director of Rooms

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