SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024 – Aloft Singapore Novena, Singapore’s first and the world’s largest Aloft Hotels, announces the appointment of General Manager, Tan Kim Seng. Tan, whose experience spans over four decades in some of the most internationally-acclaimed properties in the industry, is expected to take over the helm from the current General Manager, Tony Cousens, with effect from 1 August 2024. Tony, a 30-year veteran hotelier, retires after deftly navigating the property’s transition to Aloft Singapore Novena under the Marriott International group in September 2023.
Prior to this appointment, Tan was the Chief Operating Officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts and the Asia Pacific Managing Director for IFH Worldwide. He was also the Senior Vice-President for Millennium & Copthorne Hotels & Resorts from 2007 to 2008, overseeing the group’s 18 hotels in the Asia Pacific region. Throughout his extensive career, Tan has been instrumental in driving the growth and profitability across different business sectors of the hospitality industry. His experience included managing a range of residential and hospitality establishments, providing him with broad exposure to stakeholder management and developing a unique perspective on delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.
From 1 August 2024, Tan will lead and steer the landmark property in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences through a multi-faceted approach that enhances its music-inspired design concept and culture of hospitality excellence across various guest touchpoints of Aloft Singapore Novena.
“Assuming leadership at Aloft Singapore Novena, Singapore’s pioneering and largest Aloft Hotels, is a remarkable opportunity. This music-inspired destination epitomises innovation and creativity in hospitality. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Tony for his exceptional leadership during his 12-year tenure and I look forward to working with the dynamic team that he has built over the years and taking Aloft Singapore Novena towards new heights of excellence. My focus will be on refining operations, nurturing our team, and enhancing guest experiences, ensuring that we deliver unparalleled service tailored to every guest,” shares Mr. Tan Kim Seng.
Tan’s propulsion in the hospitality and real estate industry started in 1981, when he was awarded the inaugural Shangri-La Scholarship at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management. Graduating as a Class Valedictorian in 1985, Tan went on to hold numerous influential roles within the hospitality industry, positioning Tan’s ability to lead Aloft Singapore Novena forward as General Manager. Aside from his current role, Tan also holds a series of other noteworthy accolades, such as Director on the Board of the Singapore Hotel Association, President of the Singapore Serviced Apartments Association, Vice President of the Cornell Hotel Society, Advisor on the Cornell-Nanyang Institute’s Advisory Panel and the SDH Institute Industry Advisory Board, and Honorary Advisor for Horwath International’s Hotel Annual Studies Advisory Board.
