The industry icons will be recognized for their influential roles in advancing hospitality technology in a special presentation on June 25, 2024.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to announce two champions of hospitality technology, Floor Bleeker and Terence Ronson, as the 2024 HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame inductees, both recognized for their service in innovating hospitality in the EMEA and APAC regions respectively. Bleeker is Accor Group’s chief technology officer, leading and providing oversight of technology strategy for all of the group’s hospitality businesses around the world. Ronson is the founder of Pertlink Ltd. and has revolutionized technology-forward hospitality experiences across Asia. The 2024 inductees will be honored at the upcoming Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 25, 2024.
The International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame is HFTP’s highest level of recognition in technology. Since 1989, 55 individuals have received this award as a reflection of their contributions to the hospitality industry.
“Being the first in the Middle East to receive this award makes me proud and is a testament to what we have achieved in the region,” said Bleeker. “Our industry has given me endless opportunities and great friends. I also want to acknowledge the teams, partners and vendors for everything they have done for me along the way.”
Bleeker’s ascent in the hospitality technology sector is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision. Starting with a bachelor’s in hotel administration from Hotelschool The Hague, Bleeker’s passion for hospitality technology was ignited early. Following graduation, he rapidly advanced from a management trainee at Radisson to IT manager at The Emirates Academy in Dubai, following his MBA from the University of Colorado. His achievements with Jumeirah, where he rose to vice president of business solutions, laid the groundwork for his subsequent role as CIO at Mövenpick. There, he tackled significant challenges in solution centralization and change management.
When Accor acquired Mövenpick in 2018, Floor was retained as EMEA CIO where he played a crucial role in strategic IT programs. His expertise was pivotal in shaping Accor’s IT modernization plans in emerging markets. In 2020, Floor joined Accor’s executive committee as CTO, further advancing to the management board in 2023.
“I am thrilled beyond words — this induction into the Hall of Fame marks a dream realized,” said Ronson. “Just being nominated was an honor, but to actually join the ranks of industry giants in the hospitality technology sector is a career-defining milestone and a lifetime achievement.”
Ronson’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership in the hospitality technology sector. From chef to pioneering technologist, Ronson’s journey highlights the transformative power of innovation.
Ronson’s career began with managing guest experiences at numerous London and APAC properties. These roles set the stage for his transition into the property management system (PMS) market and the founding of Pertlink Ltd. in 2000. The early years of consulting were marked by significant achievements, including the opening of Rosedale on the Park in Hong Kong, the country’s first boutique cyber hotel, which garnered international attention and led to the creation of HOTELINMYHAND, the industry’s first digital application.
Pertlink’s success continued with numerous industry firsts, such as Vietnam’s first five-star hotel with free wireless internet, Hong Kong’s first high-tech senior living facilities and Accor’s first OPERA property in Beijing. Ronson also played a crucial role as a food-and-beverage point-of-sale consultant for Disney’s theme park in Shanghai. His passion for innovation also extends to education. Ronson has lectured at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel Tourism and Management, chaired the Tomorrow’s Guest Room initiative for Hotel ICON, and helped inaugurate the school’s Samsung Technology Lab.
HITEC North America will take place on June 24–27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, HITEC is the world’s largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. The 2024 event is expecting 6,000+ attendees and 320+ exhibiting companies. Registration for HITEC Charlotte is open.
