After almost 30 years at the head of the Bailliage of Indonesia, Firdaus Siddik decided to hand over the reins to Chancelier Michael Burchett who prior to this national post was Bailli of Bali.

A veteran of the hospitality industry Australian national Michael has clocked up 45 plus years of experience and knowledge. He spent 17 years of his career with Regent and Four Seasons in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, China, USA and Indonesia. As General Manager he opened both the Four Seasons Jimbaran and The Regent Jakarta.

As Vice President Operations with Royal Garden Resorts in Thailand Michael was responsible for hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Vietnam under the Four Seasons, Marriott and Anantara brands.

In 2003 he returned to Bali to open the Conrad Bali, where he spent nine years establishing it amongst Bali’s leading hotels.

With Troy Sinclair Michael formed MJB Hoteliers in 2012, specializing in Hospitality Management and Consulting Services. It is a partnership that represents decades of hands-on experience throughout Asia. In addition to new-build and existing projects, MJB Hoteliers was contracted to set up and manage Mantra Group in Indonesia. Today Michael remains actively involved in supporting Wyndham Destinations across Asia Pacific.

Michael is an active participant in various professional Associations as he states, “being privileged to live in Bali and travel through Indonesia has given me the opportunity to give something back to the community that has given me so much.”

Michael was instrumental in driving the recovery programme for Bali during his four terms as Chairman of the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) 2004-2008. He remains an active member of BHA, is a current member of Rotary Nusa Dua and past Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI).

Marie Jones
Managing Editor
International Vice-President