Giles Guide: Celebrating International Women's Day with St Giles' Inspiring Leaders

As International Women's Day approaches, we at St. Giles Hotels are taking a moment to celebrate the extraordinary female leaders who form the backbone of our hospitality experience. From our visionary CEO to our passionate department heads, these remarkable women bring diverse talents, perspectives, and leadership styles that create the warm, exceptional service our guests have come to expect.

In an industry built on human connection, our female leaders excel at creating memorable experiences through their unique blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and genuine care. Join us as we discover the wisdom and inspiration behind the women who make St. Giles Hotels truly special.

Abigail Tan: Finding Purpose in Hospitality Leadership

At the helm of St. Giles Hotels stands Abigail Tan, our CEO whose thoughtful leadership sets the tone for our entire organization. For Abigail, hospitality leadership begins with discovering your deeper motivation.

"Find your purpose—hospitality is a tough but beautiful industry and when you find your 'why do it', it will enhance the journey," she shares. "Do everything with kindness. Listen and be curious to learn—there is always someone smarter, better, and with a different perspective that can lend a learning moment."

This philosophy of combining purpose with continuous learning creates the foundation for our approach to hospitality. When asked what brings her the most fulfilment in her role, Abigail's answer reveals her collaborative spirit: "Working with an amazing team, and seeing our ideas come to life." It's this celebration of collective achievement that infuses every aspect of the St. Giles experience.

When facing challenges, Abigail returns to one guiding principle that has served her well throughout her career: "Think and lead with your values. When in doubt, go back to them and ask yourself 'Am I thinking/behaving/doing what's in line with my values?' It helps make difficult situations so much clearer."

Jojean Porte: Nurturing Human Connections

As Area General Manager for St. Giles London, Jojean Porte transforms our hospitality philosophy into daily excellence through her people-centered approach. Her enthusiasm for human connection shines through when she describes her favourite aspect of hospitality: "Interacting with people! I get to learn new information from food, culture, experience, skills, life hacks to name a few!"

This passion for human connection translates into leadership that emphasises understanding and development. "As a woman, I believe my nurturing and caring nature has been a strength in my leadership journey. These qualities have helped me foster strong, motivated teams and create a culture of support and collaboration."

When guiding young women entering the hospitality field, Jojean emphasises the same qualities that have made her successful: "Don't be shy to ask questions, be proactive, offer to help to learn new things, be hands-on, explore, enjoy and love your job." This enthusiasm for continuous improvement extends to her philosophy on career development: "Persevere, be resilient, never stop learning. Always act with integrity, work hard even when no one is looking." By modelling these values daily, she creates an environment where team members feel inspired to grow and excel.

This people-first approach defines Jojean's leadership style, particularly when facing challenges: "Instead of relying on authority alone, I focus on understanding individual perspectives, coaching my team through difficulties, and building trust which ultimately leads to higher engagement." The result is the warm, attentive atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the St. Giles London experience—where both team members and guests feel valued and understood.

Eliana Athanasiou: Leading with Compassion and Purpose

For Eliana Athanasiou, our Global Head of Brand, personal experiences have profoundly shaped her professional approach. "Becoming a mother has been the most transformative part of my journey," she reflects. "It has given me a new perspective on strength, time management, and leading with compassion. Motherhood has made me more adaptable, more patient, and even more passionate about how we can support and uplift women."

This perspective enhances her commitment to meaningful impact: "I have always been deeply committed to working with social enterprises and driving meaningful change, but now, more than ever, having a little girl of my own has strengthened my purpose. I want to build a better future for her—a world that is kinder, more inclusive, and full of opportunity."

What drives her passion in her role? "The people. Without a doubt. Hospitality is about creating experiences, and I love being able to make a real difference—whether it's through leading a team, making guests feel at home, or working with incredible social enterprises that have a tangible impact on people's lives."

Carla Jeronimo: Building Strong Foundations

As Finance Manager, Carla Jeronimo brings analytical expertise balanced with people-focused leadership to St. Giles London. Her approach to hospitality management emphasizses adaptability and relationship-building:

"I would advise young women to be proactive, resilient, and open to learning. Hospitality requires adaptability and a strong work ethic. Build strong relationships, and don't be afraid to take on new challenges."

For Carla, success in finance isn't just about numbers—it's about developing people: "My favourite part is the opportunity to lead and develop a team. Seeing colleagues grow in their careers and knowing I've played a part in their success is incredibly rewarding."

Her advice to her younger self reveals the confidence she's developed throughout her career: "I'd tell my younger self to believe in my abilities and not be afraid to take risks. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn." This proactive mindset aligns perfectly with the most valuable wisdom she's gained over the years: "Opportunities don't always come knocking—sometimes, you have to create them yourself."

 Together, these principles have guided Carla's approach to both finance and leadership, enabling her to navigate the complex world of hospitality while building strong financial foundations and meaningful professional relationships. Her commitment to creating opportunities extends beyond her own career as she actively supports and uplifts other women in the industry.

Zuliani Hamid: Excellence Through Experience

With nearly three decades in hospitality, Zuliani Hamid brings exceptional expertise to her role as Executive Assistant Manager at St. Giles Boulevard Kuala Lumpur. Her journey through positions at prestigious hotel groups has given her a deep understanding of operational excellence.

"My advice would be to embrace every opportunity to learn as hospitality is a dynamic industry," she shares. "Stay curious and never stop learning. There will be challenges along the way; learn from them and keep moving forward." 

This commitment to continuous improvement is matched by her focus on creating memorable guest experiences: "My favourite part is seeing the impact of our team's work on our guest experiences. Knowing that we have contributed to their positive experience is rewarding. Developing the team and seeing them grow is also another fulfilling role that I've always enjoyed."

Throughout her career, one powerful mantra from her mentor has guided her journey: "I can, I will, I must." This determination exemplifies the spirit that drives the operational excellence across St. Giles properties worldwide.

Elaine Ng: Balancing Strength and Adaptability

As Head of Brand & Social Media, Elaine Ng brings a balanced perspective to her leadership role. Her advice for women in hospitality emphasises versatility and continuous growth:

"Hospitality is an industry that thrives on passion, adaptability, and human connection. My biggest advice is to embrace every learning opportunity. Never underestimate the power of curiosity and resilience; ask questions, seek mentors, and don't be afraid to take on roles outside your comfort zone."

This approach to leadership transcends titles and positions: "Lead with purpose, not just position. Titles and roles will change, but your impact and how you make people feel will always be remembered. True leadership isn't about authority; it's about influence, vision, and creating a culture where people feel valued and inspired."

Her experience as a woman has deepened her leadership approach: "Being a woman in leadership has taught me the importance of balance, between empathy and decisiveness, between strength and adaptability. Hospitality is a people-centric industry, and the ability to listen, nurture, and lead with emotional intelligence is a strength, not a weakness."

Michelle Goh: Strategic Vision and Resilience

Completing our leadership circle is Michelle Goh, Director of Sales and Marketing, whose strategic vision drives St. Giles' continued growth and innovation. Her approach to hospitality management emphasises self-confidence and mentorship:

"Starting a career in hospitality management can be incredibly rewarding. Self-confidence is essential to trust our abilities and not be afraid of taking up any challenges. Find a suitable mentor surrounding us that is experienced and willing to offer invaluable insights."

Through challenges and successes, Michelle draws strength from powerful advice that has guided her career: "Keep on doing what you believed in—what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." This resilient mindset enables her to drive innovative marketing strategies that showcase the unique experiences St. Giles Hotels offer.

The St. Giles Difference: Celebrating Women in Hospitality

The heart of St. Giles Hotels beats with the passion, innovation, and warmth of these extraordinary female leaders. Their diverse voices harmonise to create a hospitality experience that's both seamless and memorable—one that blends purpose with passion and strategic thinking with genuine empathy, ensuring every guest feels truly welcomed. Their collective journey reminds us of the unlimited potential that emerges when women are empowered to lead authentically.

This International Women's Day, we're not just celebrating these inspirational leaders—we're celebrating the future they're helping to create: one where diverse perspectives enrich our industry and where the next generation of women can see clear pathways to leadership. Come experience the difference at St. Giles Hotels, where exceptional hospitality is shaped by exceptional women.

Happy International Women's Day from all of us at St. Giles Hotels!