The ’24 edition of the FIND Global Summit features a rockstar lineup of over 60 leading figures from the design, hospitality and business community. The entire 3-day conference will ignite inspiring discussions spanning various disciplines, such as design, architecture, hospitality, property development, technology and experiences. Benefit from the rich expertise of catalysts and change makers that illustrate actionable solutions to navigate the great opportunities Southeast Asian markets offer.
Fate has beautifully intervened in George Aquino’s life, intertwining his passions for travel, food, writing and photography with his career calling as a global hotelier. George grew up in Manila, and as an eight-year old, he embarked on a flight between Los Angeles and Manila for his first solo travel experience aboard a Pan Am Boeing 747, securely seated in between two Catholic nuns. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, he went on to study journalism, interior design and food & beverage before finally completing the Advanced Management Program at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. After 36 years in the hospitality industry in North America, Mr. Aquino decided to return home to the Philippines to fulfill his lifetime goal of helping his fellow Filipino hoteliers redefine the future of Filipino hospitality in the country and in the region. He was appointed his current position with Ayala Hotels and Resorts in May 2024.
George’s career took-off like a Concorde jet- starting out as a busboy at Le Ciel Bleu restaurant at the Mayfair Regent Chicago to General Manager at Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands within five years. Since joining AHC Hospitality in 1992, his career path flourished with roles as Food & Beverage Director, General Manager, Corporate Director of Operations and Marketing, to his last position as Vice President/Managing Director from 2014 to 2024. He is instrumental in growing the company’s hotel portfolio from 4 hotels in 2014 to 15 hotels in 2024. The portfolio includes independent boutique hotels, branded hotels with Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, and 30 restaurants and bars in Michigan, Florida and the Caribbean.
Mr. Aquino’s accomplishments throughout his career are many, though the one he is most proud of is being recognized as the 2012 “Father of the Year” by the American Diabetes Association. As the opening General Manager for the JW Marriott in Michigan, his hotel was ranked number 1 in Overall Guest Satisfaction three times during his 7-year tenure. He is also proud to have promoted more minorities and women to executive leadership roles at AHC Hospitality.
George is the Opening Board Chair for the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, Campaign Chair for Heart of West Michigan United Way and also served on the boards of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Asian American Association, the Diversity & Inclusion Council of Varnum Law, and the Owner Advisory Council for Hilton Hotels.
In addition to his “day job,” George was the food critic and travel writer for MLive Media from 2009 to 2016. He also wrote and photograph a food and travel column for Lake Magazine and Solace Magazine. Besides writing and photography, George is an avid pickleball player and certified pro instructor.