Gordon Chan

Luxury hospitality Marketing & Communications professional with experience across both resort and city hotel environments, bringing a well-rounded understanding of brand positioning, public relations, communications, media relations and hotel marketing. Currently leading the Marketing & Communications team at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, with expanded Director-level responsibilities, and previously gained valuable resort experience in a luxury beachfront property. Experienced in adapting marketing and communications strategies to different hotel environments, guest profiles and commercial objectives.

Experienced in managing media, KOLs, agencies and external partners, as well as coordinating marketing initiatives across F&B, Rooms, Spa, MICE, Weddings and other key hotel segments. Working knowledge of digital and social media marketing, with particular strengths in communications, PR, brand strategy and relationship building.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara - Malaysia

(2026-07)

Bringing experience across both luxury resort and city hotel environments, I currently lead the Marketing & Communications function of Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, overseeing brand communications, public relations, media relations, content strategy, campaign planning and hotel promotional activities. With the department currently operating without a Director of Marketing & Communications, I have taken on expanded Director-level responsibilities, providing strategic direction, coordinating departmental priorities and working closely with senior management to align marketing initiatives with the hotel's commercial objectives and Sofitel/Accor brand standards.

• Development of integrated communications and marketing strategies across key hotel segments including F&B, Rooms, Spa, MICE, Weddings and Events
• Work closely with Sales and operational teams to identify opportunities and translate them into relevant campaigns, media exposure, KOL collaborations and brand storytelling
• Manage relationships with media, influencers, external agencies and marketing partners to strengthen the hotel's visibility and market positioning
• Oversee the hotel's social media and content direction, including working with outsourced partners when specialised support is required, particularly for Chinese social media platforms and market-specific communications
• Strengthen the department's overall structure and workflow by introducing clearer marketing processes, campaign timelines, promotional planning procedures and internal Job Request guidelines
• Core strengths are in public relations, communications, media relations, brand positioning, storytelling and stakeholder management, supported by working knowledge of social media and digital marketing

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - Shangri-La Tanjung Aru - Kota Kinabalu

(2023-09 - 2026-06)

Lead the resort's branding, marketing communications, public relations, and media engagement initiatives, with a strong strategic focus on the Chinese market. Spearheaded the launch and management of Chinese social media platforms for the resort in collaboration with a specialist agency, delivering culturally tailored campaigns that significantly enhanced brand visibility, engagement, and market reach.

• Manage the resort's online presence and reputation across social media and travel platforms, including personally responding to guest reviews and online comments to ensure a warm, professional, and consistent brand voice aligned with Shangri-La's service standards
• Support and strengthen the resort's brand positioning by ensuring consistent messaging and luxury presentation across all guest touchpoints, both online and offline
• Oversee the conceptualisation, coordination, and execution of marketing collateral including hotel posters, restaurant menus, digital TV visuals, in-room TV promotions, newsletters, campaign materials, and seasonal promotional assets to maintain a cohesive and premium brand image throughout the resort
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media representatives, influencers, artists, and KOLs, successfully hosting curated media stays, food reviews, and bespoke resort experiences that positioned Shangri-La Tanjung Aru as a premier luxury destination in Kota Kinabalu
• Oversee and coordinate award submissions for prestigious industry recognitions, including Stelliers, Trip.com, Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Travel + Leisure, and other international hospitality accolades, contributing to the resort's enhanced prestige and industry recognition
• Plan and execute strategic gifting and relationship-building initiatives for media and business partners, including festive hampers and courtesy visits during occasions such as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas, strengthening long-term partnerships and brand loyalty
• Represent the resort at high-profile networking events, media functions, and industry engagements to elevate brand exposure and establish valuable business connections within the hospitality and tourism sectors
• Coordinate and oversee professional photo shoots, video productions, and visual content creation for websites, advertising campaigns, social media platforms, press materials, and marketing collateral to ensure brand consistency and impactful storytelling across all channels

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Shopee Malaysia - Kota Kinabalu

(2022-03 - 2023-02)

Joined the core launch team for ShopeeFood and ShopeePay in Kota Kinabalu, driving partner acquisition by onboarding local restaurants and aligning operations with platform requirements.

LOGISTICS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST - SBH Kibing Solar New Material

(2023-03 - 2023-08)

Oversaw international import and export transactions, ensuring strict compliance with regulations and the timely delivery of shipments.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE - China State Construction

(2019-08 - 2022-02)

Conducted market surveys and maintained long-term relationships with developers, suppliers, and clients. Contributed to high profile projects.

OPERATIONS MANAGER - Morefun Malaysia

(2017-07 - 2019-07)

Directed daily business operations, coordinated resources, and managed client portfolios.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE - American Express

(2015-03 - 2017-06)

Managed corporate client portfolios, delivering tailored financial solutions to meet varied client needs.

FRAUD & AUTHORISATION ANALYST - Citibank Berhad

(2014-02 - 2015-02)

Conducted comprehensive risk assessments on transactions to protect company assets and client interests.

BACHELOR OF ARTS - HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT - Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Switzerland (2012-01 - 2013-12)

HIGHER DIPLOMA - CULINARY ARTS AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT - Asian Tourism International College, Kota Kinabalu (2008-01 - 2012-12)